5000-MILE CRUISE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23175, 22 October 1938, Page 14

5000-MILE CRUISE

YACHT SEAWARD BACK RETURN FROM NEW HEBRIDES UNCHARTED ROCK SIGHTED ' ONLY ONE MISHAP ON TRIP " Everything went like clockwork and wc all had a joljy good time," was how Mr. D. Wellington, of Auckland, owner of the .lift, auxiliary ketch Seaward, described a 5000-mile cruise in tho Western Pacific, which ended with the return of tho yacht to its home port yesterday morning. Mr. Wellington was accompanied by Mr. J. Rawson, of Auckland, and Mr. Iv. Kleiner, of Melbourne.

Tho Seaward left Auckland on May 14, Mr. Wellington having with him Mr. L. Clarke, of Auckland, and Mr. It. Finlayson, of Dunedin. Progress up tho coast was slow, but with tho help of a good south-west wind tho distance of 425 miles from North Capo to Norfolk Island was covered in tho fast time of three and a-half days. At this stage Messrs. Rawson and Kleiner joined tho vessel. 400 Miles in Six Days Leaving Norfolk Island on Juno 18 after a stay of 13 days, tho Seaward made another good passage to Noumea, covering tho 400 miles in six days. For throe months tho yacht cruised round .tho Loyalty Croup. Upon returning to Noumea, Messrs. Clarko and Finlayson joined an American yacht, tho Vanora, which is expected at Auckland shortly.

Ten miles out froib Noumea on the way to the Now Hebrides, the Seaward experienced tho only mishap of the cruiso. A heavy sea carried away the rudder stock and the yacht put back for repairs.

After calling at ; Ambrym and Epi Islands, Mr. Wellington reached Vila, the main port of the New Hebrides, on September 19 and remained thore until •October 5, when the return journey to Auckland was begun. The 1600-mile journey was completed in 16 days.

Good Journey Home " Although wo had prevailing southeasterly winds, we could have sailed back in an 18-footer," said Mr. Wellington. All enjoyed good health throughout the cruise. One hundred and twenty miles northwest of Capo Maria Van Dienien on the way home, the Seaward passed within 20ft. of a pinnacle of rock awash. The position of the rock, of which there is no mention in the charts, has been taken by Mr. Wellington as accurately as possible and will bo forwarded by him to the Marine Department. Tho rock was well out of the path of shipping. Next winter Mr. Wellington intends to visit New Caledonia again and from thero go to the Great Barrier I'eef off tho coast of Queensland.