YACHT'S VOYAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21458, 4 April 1933, Page 8

YACHT'S VOYAGE

CRUISE OF HEARTSEASE BUFFETED BY STORMS SOUTH SEAS HOSPITALITY JOURNEY ENDED AT SYDNEY [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] WELLINGTON. Monday After five months cruising in the waters of the South Sea Islands, in the Auckland yacht Heartsease, Mr. H. C. Dixon, a member of the crew and well-known radio experimenter of Wellington, returned by the Monowai from Sydney to-day. Although the cruise proved an enjoyable one it was not without its discomforts, and on at least two occasions the little vessel received an exceedingly hard battering, by storms. The Heartsease left Whangarei at the end of September. Plans were indefinite, but ultimately it was hoped to get as far as England after some time spent in the South Seas. She carried a complement of six, Captain A. McArthur, Lieut.-Commander Juler, navigator, Messrs. R. F. Hutchison, G. Douglas and T. N. Silk, seamen, and Mr. H. C. Dixon, radio operator. Shortly after leaving Whangarei the Heartsease ran into extremely heavy weather. The cabin was swamped and in a very short time the radio equipment was completely out of action. After four days the storm abated somewhat, but persistent head winds were encountered on the first stage of the journey up to Nukualofa. On account of the dead head winds the Heartsease had to sail 2400 miles instead of 1200 miles. The time taken was three weeks and one day. Visit Paid ,to Tonga Some time was spent at Tonga, where all were charmed with the beauty of the surroundings and the abounding hospitality and friendliness of the people. They were particularly fortunate in being at Tonga at a time of great festivity, it being the occasion of the jubilee of the foundation of the college. Members of the crew met the Queen of Tonga, and were invited to take part in the festivities. They were very much interested in a great native feast, which continued almost continuously day and night for three days. Tonga, said Mr. Dixon, was very low-lying, there being no point more than 200 ft. above sea level. It was almost completely covered with coconut palms and copra was the principal industry. After a very enjoyable time at Tonga the Heartsease proceeded to Fiji. Two months were spent cruising around the Fiji group, where nothing of special moment occurred. Whenever the Heartsease touched land they were greeted by natives most cordially and always shown the utmost , hospitality. The cruise was thoroughly enjoyable. Worst Stage of Journey After leaving the Fiji group the yacht proceeded to Noumea, New Caledonia. Two days were spent there and the vessel then went on to Brisbane. The worst stage of the journey was the last part, between Brisbane and Sydney. On this run exceedingly bad weather was experienced. The dinghy was stove in and the little vessel, which is only '2O tons, was battered about. Conditions were bad enough to cause considerable apprehension. A passenger who was taken on board at Brisbane did not expect the Heartsease to come through. "By the time the yacht reached Sydney the-crew had had about enough of cruising," said Mr. Dixon. "And it was decided to abandon the idea of proceeding to England." The Heartsease and the remainder of the crew were still in Sydney when Mr. Dixou. left. A purchaser was being sought for the vessel.