SAILING SHIP LEAVES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21114, 23 February 1932, Page 9

SAILING SHIP LEAVES.

UNUSUAL SIGHT IN GULF. DEPARTURE OF GRACE HARWAR.

After being in port for three weeks unloading a cargo of guano from Seychelles Island, and replacing the cargo with ballast, the Finnish full-rigged ship Grace Harwar sailed for Port Victoria, South Australia, yesterday afternoon, to load a wheat cargo for South Africa or Europe. The moderate south-west wind which was blowing yesterday was a favourable one for the ship, and she was taken in tow at one o'clock by the Harbour Board tug Te Awliina. Sail was set as the vessel proceeded down the harbour, and by the time she was off North Head the staysails had filled to the wind. More sail was loosened during the tow through the Rangitoto Channel, and by the time she was passing the reef she was flying five topsails and the foresail, as well as the jibs and staysails.

.As soon as the Grace Harwar and the tug were well past Rangitoto Beacon, the tug cast off from the ship, which was then well under steerage way. The crew continued making sail, and by the time the Grace Harwar passed Tiri Tiri all her canvas was set and she was making good speed. With the prevailing wind the Grace Harwar would have no difficulty in heading through the channel between the Great Barrier and Cape Colville, and continuing a course to clear Moko Hinau Island. Afterwards she will head to the North toward Cape Maria van Diemen, if the wind continues favourable. Before the vessel's departure Captain G. Boman estimated that he would take about three weeks to reach Port Victoria. The departure of the Grace Harwar was watched by a large number of people from the shore.