RACE ACROSS TASMAN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17437, 8 April 1931, Page 2

RACE ACROSS TASMAN

VOYAGE OF THE TEDDY CALM WEATHER MET WITH MEMBERS OF CREW RETURN The story of the voyage of the yacht Teddy, which won the Tasman yacht lace, is told bv two Aucklanders, Messrs. H. Brown and W. J. Parkinson, who returned from Sydney by the Aorangi on Monday. They were members of the crew of the Teddy. The ltan'4'i went to the front at the start of the race on Saturday, March 14, taking charge in the Tiri passage. At that time tlie Oimara was astern of the Teddy. The next morning saw the Raimi close in shore, while the Oimara was not to Le seen.. Those on the Teddy surmised that the Oimara had used -* its engine. There was a light southerly breeze blowing as the Teddy passed Cape Brett, and this changed to an easterly after the cape was passed. Monday saw the Teddy standing well out from the North Cape, looking for a north-easterly breeze, which it failed to find. On ihe following day the Teddy struck a fresh breeze from the southwest. The small spinnaker was set, and the boat was running north all the time. On Wednesday a fresh breeze continued to blow, and it was found that 137 miles had been traversed. At the time the yacht was logging seven knots. On Wednesday night two reefs were taken in the sail, lnil were let out again on the next morning. The wind dropped, and there was a dead calm during Thursday. THE BOAT BECALMED The same conditions continued on Friduv. the mainsail, which was kept tip as long as possible, continuing to thrash about. A light- easterly wind was felt shortly afterward. The spin i utker was set. stud the yacht ran he fore it until Saturday night. The wind then came down from ihe north, and the mainsail was reset and the spinnaker carried. Under these conditions the Teddy moved at a fast llite. The yacht logged about 91- knots for the next 24 hours. Two reefs were shipped on Sunday night. Early on Monday morning the Teddy lost the wind and was becalmed. The sails were lowered and a large shark was seen astern. 1 uesdav was a- repetition of the former day. there being no wind. A school of whales passed close to the yacht. Early on Wednesday morning the Teddy was still becalmed. At this point the Golden West was sighted, about 30 miles south of Lord Howe Island, indicating tlie wide sweep taken bv the Teddy in making Sydney. Through the steamer. Mr. Elding Tambs was able io verify his position. At about 6 o’clock in the morning a light south-easterly breeze sprang up, and the yacht logged three knots with the mainsail hoisted. Later the sail was furled, and the yacht ran into rain squalls. On tire following day the boat was again double-reefed and was brought further into tlie wind. At night it was becalmed. A fair, light wind was experienced on Friday, hilt at night the Teddy was becalmed. At 10.30 the next 'morning the Teddy was off Sydney Heads. Roth Mr. Brown and Mr. Parkinson have nothing but praise for the owner of the Teddy, Mr. Tambs. They state that his seamanship is little short of marvellous, while his navigation is perfect. Moreover they attribute much of the success of the voyage to his cheerful temperament. Tim sailing qualities of the Teddy were referred to in glowing terms by the two Auckland yachtsmen. “Without her engine the Oimara would stand little chance against the Teddy,” they said. “The Teddy will sail in any weather, although tlie Rangi would be more speedy under certain conditions.” —Herald. TEDDY STARTS BACK (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Received April 8, 11 a.nt.) 'SI DNEY, April 8. The yacht Teddy sailed for Auckland late yesterday. Mr. Tambs intends to remain in New Zealand for three months, and then will proceed to Tonga. The Oimara has been delayed by rough weather on the trip to Melbourne, and was last reported .off Gabo Island. The yacht is expected to reach Melbourne on Saturday.