YACHTS CRUISE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23355, 25 May 1939, Page 10

YACHTS CRUISE

CALM AND HDEEIGANE WELSH FAMILY'S VOYAGE PARTY ARRIVES AT RUSSELL EXPERIENCES IN THE PACIFIC [by telegraph—own correspondent] RUSSELL, Wednesday The 48ft. yacht Silver Spray arrived shortly before noon today, flying the American flag, and anchored off the Russell Wharf after pratique had been granted. The boat, which has come from San Francisco, is owned by Mr. E. J. Thomas, who is accompanied by his wife and 10-year-old daughter, Norma, and a 14-year-old boy, Bill Podbreger. The party left San Francisco last July and visited the islands of the Hawaiian group, Christmas Island, Borabora, Utaroa, Papeete and Moorea, where they waited for several weeks for the conclusion of the hurricano season before sailing lor Rarotonga. This was finally left on April 27, and the last leg of 1700 miles was completed to-day. Well-equipped Cralt For nine days the ketch lay in a dead ealm, but then a hurricane lasting for 48 hours was experienced north* west of the Kermadecs. Good condi> tions were experienced after this, however, Cape Brett being sighted soon after seven o'clock last night, and Russell being reached this morning. It is intended to take on a fresh load of supplies here. The yacht is of lOJft. beam, 6ft. draught, and has an auxiliary engine, which is only used for entering and leaving ports, all ocean travelling being done by sail. It is very well equipped inside, having electric light, wireless, water tanks, and sleeping accommodation for six. Farming in America Mr. Thomas i-s a Welshman who went to America after the war and took up dairy farming, and his wife comes from Liverpool. On accounts of what he termed the hopeless conditions for farming in America owing to very heavy taxation, Mr. Thomas finally sold his farm and took over the yacht in which he is now travelling.

Although the vessel has behaved remarkably well, the cramped space has reduced the party's enthusiasm for this style of travelling, and Mrs. Thomas is definite in her refusal to return to America on it. No definite plans have been made for the future, but a .visit will ultimately be made to Auckland.