YACHT'S LONG VOYAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22099, 3 May 1935, Page 10

YACHT'S LONG VOYAGE

NEWS OF THE VISION AUCKLAND-BUILT GRAFT CRUISING IN EAST INDIES News concerning the progress of the Auckland-built yacht Vision, which left over a year ago on an extended cruise, arrived by the last air mail. The latest information regarding the little vessel was that she had reached ihe port of Sumarbang, in Java, early last month after a very stormy voyage from Macassar, via Bali. It was intended after a short stay there to make for Singapore. When the Vision left Auckland on April 18, 1934, on the first stage of her cruise, which, it was announced, might take her to England, she had a crew of five, comprising Commander H. M. Montagu®, R.N. (retired), her owner, Mrs. Montague, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Temple, all of the Bay of Islands, and Mr. M. O. Guthrie, of Wellington. Owing to unforeseen circumstances, the ship's company gradually dwindled until only Commander Montague and his wife were left. For two or three months they navigated the' craft without further help, but the work was heavy and exacting, especially as the seas in which they were sailing were very prone to sudden heavy squalls. Natives Prove Useless

A few months ago two natives were shipped, one as cook and oie as able seaman. As they had had experience in pearling luggers, it was thought they would be competent sailors, but the first gale showed their true quality. The voyage from Macassar tc Bali tooknine days, beating up against heavy head-winds, and the natives were terrified at the amount of sail curried; not understanding that the Vision, wit a. her deep keel, could safely si and up to a spread of canvas that would have capsized a pearling boat of her size. Immediately on reaching por; they left the boat. Great Hospitality After leaving Auckland the Vision visited Norfolk Island and then spent a considerable time in various Queensland ports. The yacht ne:d; steered north-westerly through Torres Straits and the last six or seven months have been spent in leisurely cruising from one island to another in the' Malay Archipelago. The majority of the islands visited have been Dutch possessions, and everywhere the yacht's crew have been received with groat hospitality. At Bali, where they niayed for two or three weeks, the parly enjoyed themselves greatly. Voyage ?io India The* Vision, which is a well-appointed vessel, 44Jft. overall, is sta'wd to be standing up to her work splendidly. She has been repainted and an extra strake of copper has been put on, as the borer worms are plentiful in tropical waters. Miki, the little ;black kitten, which joined the vessel at Auckland as a mascot, is now a troll-grown animal and is greatly admired by the natives. From Singapore it is planned to proceed to India, but the voyage will probably not be made until September or October, as the Bay of Bengal is scarcely safe for small craft until then.