OCEAN RACE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10558, 8 April 1920, Page 2

OCEAN RACE

ACROSS THE STRAIT WAITANGI WINS: INTERESTING EXPERIENCES. The Evans Bay Yacht and Motor Boat Club's ocean race for Mr Jackson's trohy, was started on Friday last in beautiful weather. The starters and handicaps were:— Wait-angi, scr; Atulanta. SOruin; Romp, ISOmin; . Viking, IMOmin; Seabird, 18J man. t The yachts got away to a flying start on even terms at 7.30 a.m., and passed through the heads at 8.25 a.m., with the "Waitangi leading, the Atalanta' and Romp close up and the Seabird and Viking well astern. All the yachts carried full lower sails. The Viking set a leading jib, which carried away off Sinclair Head when the wind freshened. A strong north-north-west breeze was met with in the Straits and Cloudy Bay was reached by the Waitangi at midday, Atalanta at 12.40 and Ho nip 1.20. The'Vising was then about two mites astemi and Seabird a long way back. WAITANGI ARRIVES FIBST. On tho lead .up to Port Underwood the wind started to drop and topsa-U and leading jibs were set. Tho Waitangi just £ot inside with the falling wind and crossed the line at 3.50 p.m., the .Atalanta and Romp being- becalmed close up at the entrance, where tho Viking was about a mile. astern. At 6.15 a light air from the south-west carried tho Atalanta across the line at 6.45 and the Romp at 7.4 p.m. The Viking and .Seabird came in at S p.m.- under engine power. RACE AT POET UNDERWOOD. Beautiful weather was experienced on Saturday and Sunday, and a yacht race was arranged. It took place on Saturday in Port Underwood, tho yachts taking all the boys (about 50) from the Hev. Mr Crump's school with them in the race. Tho course was from Ocean Bay to Oyster Bay point and back. There was a fresh north-west breeze aDd smooth waiter. The result of the race was:— Atalanta (9min) first, Waitangi (scr) second. Mr Jackson's fine launch. Psyche, followed the race and acted as markboat, having on board Eev. Mr and Mrs Crump ami party from the Ocean Bay School. This is believed to be tho first yacht race, over hold in Port Underwood anU it proved a great success, the school boys getting very excited at the close finishes. There was only a second between the. Bomp and Seabird for third place. Mr H. Smith, who acted as handicapper, was heartily cheered after tho race for his fine handicapping. YACHTSMEN ENTERTAINED. Tho Rev. Mr Crump and family entertained the whole of the yachtsmen at an impromptu concert on Saturday night, and a very enjoyable time was spent till midnight. Many fine items were given by the hosts, tho two Misses Crump, Mr Mansfield, Mr Jackson, nnd a number of yachtsmen. Mr Crump's story of his past experiences in the Islands was exceedingly interesting. Mrs Crump sent, hot scones and fresii milk to each yaclU every morning, a courtesy which was greatly appreciated. Sunday was spent at Oyster Bay, where a garden party was held in the afternoon. THE RETURN TRIP. The return portion of the race was commenced at 2.30 p.m. on Monday, and a special prize was offered for the race back home. A strong . N.W.W "breeze was met with on the run' across, and all tho yachts had to reef down. . When half-way across the Waitangi and Atalanta took another reef in, and the Viking lowerejl her mainsail, while the Romp and Seabird came right inrougn with double-reefed mainsails, and finished very close together. The Bomp arrived one length in front of the Waitangi at 1.50, tho Atalanta at 2.43, Romp and Seabird at 3.20, and Viking 3.33 p.m. Th e handicap adjustments placed the yachts as follow:

Smith and Rowell's Waitiangi 1 L. and R. Ibbolson s Romp 2 Adams' Atalanta 3 Mr H. Roberts's Seabird won the special prize. The race was acknowledged to be the best the yachtsmen have had for many years.