OCEAN YACHT RACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22611, 26 December 1936, Page 10

OCEAN YACHT RACE

AUCKLAND TO TAURANGA LIGHT CONDITIONS PREVAIL Tho annual ocean race for keel yachts from Auckland to Tauranga started off the King's Wharf on Thursday evening at 7.30 o'clock. The first prize is the Colin Norris Memorial Cup and miniature and £10; second prize, £6; third prize, £4. The first boat to cross the finishing line receives a champion flag, presented by Mr. Ernest Davis There were only eight starters this year, a notable absentee being Ngatoa, which has gone cruising in northern waters. Conditions were not ideal for tho start, a light north-westerly breeze accompanied by misty rain prevailing. Qucenio attempted to emulate her feat of last year to cross first, but was over tho lino at gunfire and had to return. Altair judged the time nicely to cross with tho gun, Windward luffing on tho line, apparently thinking she was too close. Qucenio was third to cross, followed by Waiomo, Rambler, Tainui and Scout. Silver Cloud, the now boat, was 2m 30s late, but sailed well, to be with the others before they had gono very far. Tho direction of tho wind gave tho boats a run with eased sheets. Going down tho centre of tho harbour the leaders wcro Windward. Qtieenio and Waiomo, with Scout and Silver Cloud improving their positions. Tho yachts were becalmed for flic greater part of the night and at dawn yesterday they were slogging to Cape Colvillo. Altair was close in to the land about two miles ahead of Waiomo. Windard being a mile to leeward. Waiomo hold the lead when Old Man Rock was passed about eight hours afterwards, Windard being second a mile astern, with Scout close up. Altair was four miles further back. The yachts were again becalmed at this stage. At an early hour this morning nono of the yachts bad arrived at its destination.