STORMY VOYAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23061, 11 June 1938, Page 14

STORMY VOYAGE

YACHT TURNS BACK

YOUNG OWNER'S ADVENTURES

TWENTY-TWO DAYS AT SEA CRUISE TO TONGA ABANDONED Forced by cyclonic storms to put back to New Zealand after 22 days at sea, in which nearly 1000 miles were covered, the young Polish engineer, Mr. Erwin J. Weber had a trying experience in his 21ft. ketch-rigged yacht Farys before returning to shelter at Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, a week ago. The storms, which lasted many days, caused Mr. Weber to abandon his lone attempt to sail to Tonga this winter, and he will stay at Kerikeri for some time before returning to Auckland. The deciding factor in Mr. Weber's change of plans Mas the destruction of the Farys' chronometer at the height of tho storm on the ninth day out. A huge wave struck the tiny yacht while Air. Weber was winding tho chronometer, which fell from his hand, causing the spring to break. It was the only reliable timepiece on board, and an essential piece of equipment for the tricky navigation required among the Tongan and Fijian reefs. A Gift from Gerbault The chronometer was an interesting relic of the first crossing of the lantic made by the celebrated French yachtsman Alain Gerbault, who gave it to Mr. Weber.

Built of New Zealand kauri, the Farys came to Auckland last November as probably the smallest vessel ever to enter the Waitemata Harbour from overseas. The voyage ta Tonga began on May 11, and for five days fair southerly weather was experienced. Then the wind veered to tho east, increasing in force, and the yacht had to heave-to some hours later, when a sea anchor was also commissioned. Change lor the Better 'At this stage the Farys had completed 400 miles of its proposed trip of 1200 miles, and lay some distance south of the Kermadecs, near the Star of Bengal Reef. Fine weather and favourable winds w£re experienced for four days after the storm, until another change brought strong westerlies, which lasted for six days. Again the yacht had to be hove-to, within a day's fair sailing distance of the mainland. Whenever possible Mr. Weber sailed toward the coast, and when the storms abated ho made straight for the Bay of Islands.