ADVENTUROUS VOYAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20725, 19 November 1930, Page 11

ADVENTUROUS VOYAGE.

MELBOURNE YACHT ALONE.

TRANSTASMAN TRIP.

Although the ocean yacht race across the Tasman, which was to have begun on Boxing Day, when the yachts were to have left Queenseliff, Melbourne Heads, for Lyltelton, will not be held, because no suitable yacht can be found to represent Canterbury, Oimara, Victoria's £2OOO challenger, will sail alone. Keen interest is being taken in the exploit, which, for the size of the craft, will be the longest trip in tho world, says a Melbourne correspondent. A special yacht will bo built in Canterbury, and entered in the race next season. When Oiniara reaches Wellington she will be offered for sale, and. with the help of a syndicate that is being formed in Melbourne Oimara 11. will be constructed and launched on the pioneer race with the New Zealand boat. Official advice that it had been found impossible to obtain' a suitable boat to race Oimara to New Zealand has been received by Captain F. J. Bennell, ownerskipper of Oimara, and challenger in the proposed race, from Mr. F. J. Stacey, of Chtfstchurch, who had previously accepted Captain Bunnell's challenge. In asking for a postponement of the raca to next season, Mr. Stacey said that it had been agreed specially to build a. yacht on approved plans. He stated that two yachts, Yvonne and Thelma, were considered by tlici Canterbury Yachting Association as unsuitable, and, consequently. it would not approve. Yachtsmen in Melbourne who are supporting the venture were naturally surprised and disappointed at the eleventhhour announcement that Oimara would not have a rival from Canterbury. In preparation for t'lie raco, Captain Bennell had spent £IOOO refitting his yacht. A handsome silver trophy had been presented to the Australia-to-New Zealand Raco Committee by Mr. Burnett Grey, M.L.A., Victoria. By completing the course to New Zealand Oimara will be entitled to tho" cup, however. Oimara'# crew had expected a Canterbury boat to leave Lyttelton for Melbourne about tho end of this month.

Captain Bennell said that the plans for the trip were going on. Oimara would sail to New Zealand, he stated, with the crew he had picked. After that blu» would bo offered for sale and, with tlio assistance of a syndicate that was being formed, a yacht that would be christened Oimara 11. would be built to race against the New Zealander next season.

The fact that notable sea captains differ in opinions as to the safety >f the exploit has but added a clash of spice to the excitement. If the yacht reaches New Zealand a new record for her class will have been established, lhe set course covers IcOO miles.