CRUISE IN YACHT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21968, 27 November 1934, Page 8

CRUISE IN YACHT

PACIFIC ISLANDS VOYAGE RETURN OF THE NGATAKI AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE TASMAN RACE COMPETITOR After a cruise of nearly three months among the islands of the Pacific the Auckland yacht Ngataki returned to port yesterday afternoon. Her crew comprised four young men, Mr. J. W • Wray, the owner and skipper, ahd Messrs. D. Wellington, N. Watson and P. McMahon. The voyage, which totalled 3900 miles, was the realisation of an ambition of Mr. Wray, who built the yacht. Leaving Auckland on September 1 the Ngataki set a course straight out to sea, Sunday Island being the first port of call. When about 150 miles from the coast a strong gale was .encountered and the boat was hove-to for three days. "We were riding the waves easily and were quite comfortable," 'said Mr. Wray. One exceptionally big sea, however, broke on board, and, forcing its way through the skylight, caused considerable inconvenience in the cabin, although no damage was done. Sunday Island was picked up without difficulty and several days were spent there before the yacht proceeded to Nukualofa, Tonga, where she arrived on September 21. The crew were received with the utmost hospitality by' the natives, and after spending 10 days on the island left for Neiafu, Vavau. A Native Race Meeting Neiafu has one of the finest landlocked anchorages in the Pacific, and as the Ngataki passed through the heads she was greeted by the crews of numerous native craft. Here again the young men received the kindest treatment from both Europeans and natives. During their stay they attended a native race meeting. The horses are all ridden bare-back and the winner of the three principal races of the day received "a purse of 30 shillings." "It was nothing unusual to be able to see through the water for 90 feet," said one of them, "and on one occasion wo dropped the anchor to the full length of the warp and could see it suspended some distance from the bottom. Borrowing some special diving glasses we spent many fascinating hours diving among the coral and examining the beautiful formations and tropical marine growth. The fish, also, were well worth seeing and it was with much regret that we finally left for Norfolk Island." Norfolk Island and Trade The passage to Norfolk Island took 17 days, as variable and light winds were encountered for nearly the whole trip. Learning that the Ngataki was an Auckland boat, tho residents of the island were most hospitable hosts. "The stoppage of the trade between Jsew Zealand and Norfolk Island was very noticeable," said Mr. Wray. "There is an over-abundance of all types of fruit there, while the staple commodities of food, such as sugar and flour, are often very scarce, owing to the lack of regular communication. Everyone on the island is very anxious that the trade should be resumed as soon as possible." Leaving Norfolk Island last Saturday week the Ngataki was favoured with fresh north-east winds and made very good time, sighting Cape Brett on Thursday. Tribute to Crew "The crew was excellent," said Mr. Wray. "We managed to have cooked meals every day, including the time when we were hove-to. We experienced no sickness. I was very pleased with the yacht and she has proved herself an excellent sea boat under the most exacting conditions. We carried no gear away and everything went just as we planned." Learning that the prize-money for the transtasman yacht , race had been reduced and that- there was a possibility of the contest being delayed, Mr. Wray said it would not affect his entry, as he intended to compete in the race purely for the sport and to have an opportunity of seeing Melbourne. GERMAN VESSEL RETURNS TRIP FROM GISBORNE The German yacht Te Rapunga returned to Auckland yesterday from Gisborne. The trip was made in leisurely fashion, several days being spent cruising in the vicinity of the Great Barrier Island. On the voyage up the coast light head winds and frequent calms prevented the vessel making fast runs. The Te Rapunga carried a crew of four, including Captain George Dibbern and Mr. G. Schramm, who have sailed in the yacht from Germany. Captain Dibbern and Mr. Schramm will now commence to prepare their craft for the transtasman yacht race. The Te Rapunga will not be fitted with a new suit of sails as was intended. Captain Dibbern expressed disappointment that so little interest was being taken in the race and that there were no entries from Australia, and he thought the prize money should not have been reduced after the entries had been accepted. The Te Rapunga will be put on the slip at Devonport within the next few .days.