YACHTING MISHAP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21539, 11 January 1932, Page 8

YACHTING MISHAP

FOUNDERS IN COOK STRAIT I CREW REACH SHORE IN DINGHY, (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, January 10. Bound for Wellington after a fortnight's cruise around the Marlborough Sounds, the 2oft yacht Amai sank in Cook Strait on Friday evening. On board were Messrs J. Norris and R. Rolle, of Wellington, who took to the dinghy and reached Jorey Rocks after an arduous row. The Amai is a fairly old boat, and she was a well-known unit in the fleet of the Evans Bay Yacht Club. The owner, Mr P. Norn's, was not on board when she came to grief. The yacht left Wellington for a cruise with a crew of three, but one member had to return _ early. On the trip outward from Wellington fairly boisterous weather was met with, and the leaks which later developed are attributed to this experience. On Friday the yacht left Tory Channel to return to Wellington. A few squalls were encountered, and serious leaking occurred. When about six miles out from Tory Channel a severe gust of wind broke the boom. It was decided to make back for shelter, but the leaking became so serious that it was seen that there was no hope of reaching an anchorage. Shortly before 7 p.m. the yacht was abandoned off Jorey Rocks. “It was not an easy row in a small dinghy, and we were fortunate that the sea was not worse,” said Mr Rolle to-day. “We spent the night on the rocks, and then rowed around the coast to Tory Channel, where we were picked up by the launch lolanthc.” The two men reached Wellington on Saturday evening. The Amai was not insured.