SANDERS CUP

Southland Times, Issue 22489, 25 January 1935, Page 8

SANDERS CUP

FIRST RACE TO IRENE EVELYN SECOND TWO BOATS CAPSIZE (From Our Own Reporter.) Halfmoon Bay, January 24. The first race in the 1935 Sanders Cup contest was held this afternoon in Paterson Inlet under conditions which demanded expert seamanship from the competing crews. A windward to leeward course of six miles was sailed twice round in a heavy southwest wind and for over two hours the spectators in the following launches were treated to many a thrill as the little craft breasted the heavy seas. Irene (Canterbury) was first past the judge and right throughout the race was handled in a capable and competent manner. In the morning, although the sun shone fitfully and there was a promise of rain in the sky, it was hoped that the weather would improve. During the race, however, rain squalls and the driving wind made matters very uncomfortable at times for botlr crews and spectators. Hl fortune followed in the wake of the Wellington and Otago boats and both capsized. When running before the wind from Prices Point to Thule, Betty broke her tiller and instantly went out of control in the heavy seas, while Monica s spinnaker became unruly and was the cause of precipitating her crew into the water. Evelyn, Southland’s boat, finished second well behind Irene. The times were as follows: — hrs. min. hrs. min. sec. Irene 2 30 4 40 51 Evelyn 2 30 4 47 35 The boats and crews were as follows:— „ .. Irene (Canterbury): E. O. Sinclair (skipper), H. Muy, F. Forman, R. Hendry. , , , . Evelyn (Southland): I. Gough (skipper), H. Gough, G. Gough and R. Ferguson. . i Betty (Otago): I. McGrath (skipper), J McLaren, W. Mason, R. Kennedy. Monica (Wellington): D. McKenzie (skipper), C. Hollis, J. Nolan, J. Elliott. The Race. On the beat from Thule to Price’s Bay, Monica was early in front, followed by Irene and Evelyn. Betty, standing in towards the shore, struck a bad patch and took some time to beat out. She lost considerably on this tack. Soon after Irene weathered Monica and increased her lead gradually to the mark, which she rounded half a minute ahead of Evelyn. Monica, through mistaking the mark, rounded a minute later. Betty was now well astern. On the first run back tp the finishing line, Betty and Evelyn broke out leading jibs as spinnakers. Monica, in breaking out her spinnaker, forced Irene and Evelyn to follow suit. About halfwav down the course Betty had the misfortune to break her tiller and capsized. The boats presented a very pretty sight. ■ The Irene was well in front with Evelyn and Monica filling second and third places respectively. The Canterbury boat was giving a great exhibition of planing, but Monica, in third position, was also showing a very good turn of speed. The latter boat lost her spinnaker just as the buoy was reached. Irene, Evelyn and Monica rounded the buoy in close succession and on the beat to Price’s, the Wellington representative weathfered Southland and took second position. At the Island, Canterbury’s boat made a beautiful board through the channel which materially increased her lead. The order round the mark was Irene with Monica a minute and a-half later. Evelyn turned four and a-half minutes after the leading boat. Monica in pressing hard skied her spinnaker and capsized. Canterbury’s boat later took in her spinnaker to prevent trouble and was content jto pass the finishing line under the mainsail and jib. The next race will be sailed to-mor-row afternoon over a triangular course. Conference Meets. At a meeting of the Sanders Cup Conference this evening, after a full discussion the conference agreed unanimously to recommend that the rules of the contest as ratified after the conference be not altered for a period of three years, except with the unanimous consent of the associations comprising the New Zealand Yachting Council. MANY DIVERSIONS PROGRAMME OF ENTERTAINMENT. (From Our Special Reporter.) Halfmoon Bay, January 24. The programme of entertainment drawn up for the visiting crews is an attractive one, and the yachtsmen are finding that' their leisure hours are fully occupied. On Wednesday evening the Stewart Island Yacht Club staged a very successful dance. The members of the orchestra were dressed in smart cruising suits, a fact which lent a true nautical flavour to the proceedings. The lovely walks, in which the Island abounds, are proving very popular, while badminton is keeping members of the Wellington crew fit. On view in a local shop window is the Sanders Cup and this is attracting much attention. The cup donated by the president of the Southland Yachting Association for the champion 14footer in Saturday’s regatta is also on exhibition. This morning the boats and their sails were measured and a group of interested spectators watched these proceedings with interest. The Mandalay, Mr G. Andrew’s fine craft, is at the Island and her fine lines have been admired by everyone.