NO RACE

Southland Times, Issue 22490, 26 January 1935, Page 6

NO RACE

STORMY WEATHER SANDERS CUP CONTEST DELEGATES ENTERTAINED (From Our Own Reporter.) Halfmoon Bay, January 25. Stewart Island is experiencing a run of very unsettled weathei- and to-day, after an exceptionally stormy night, it was found impossible to continue with the second race in the Sanders Cup contest. _ , . ... The seas in Paterson Inlet were high this morning, and whipped by a westprly gale, pounded relentlessly against the rocky shores. When heavy rain swept the headlands the scene in the inlet from Observation Rock was of wild and noble grandeur. Under the circumstances the 14-footers could not possibly leave the landing stage. Late this evening the weather was showing no signs of improvement and prospects are not encouraging for a race to-morrow morning and the regatta to be held on Halfmoon Bay in the afternoon. The Otago boat, Betty, has had a new hardwood tiller fitted in place of the kauri one that broke in yesterdays race. The beading on the boat was also damaged. This probably happened when the Mandalay, Mr G. Andrews’ launch, came alongside to take the craft back to port. It was strange that Mr Andrews’ fine boat should tow the Betty, in which he won the Sanders Cup at the Island in 1928, back to Thule. Owing to the gale the launch owners whose boats were moored at Golden Bay, in Paterson Inlet, had to adjust their moorings to-day, as several of the boats had been blown into dangerous positions. Mr G. Todd’s boat, Hiawatha, which had previously dragged its anchor and had drifted round the inlet, fortunately without sustaining any damage, due to the prompt action of W. Johnson and his grandson, was also secured with additional lines. The visiting crews and the delegates were entertained in the evening at a social by the Southland Provincial Yacht and Motor Boat Association. Mr F. J. Biggs presided. Messrs G. Tanner (Wellington Association), T. Anderson (Otago Association) and A. S. Russell (Invercargill) were among those present. Mr G. R. Curtis, chairman of the New Zealand Yachting Council, said he thought that Auckland would in time join up with the council. All regretted the absence of these fine sportsmen. He was convinced that the formation of the council was for the betterment of the sport. Mr P. Harris, president of the Canterbury Association, referred to the excellent work done for yachting in Southland by Mr T. Bragg, Commodore of the Stewart Island Yacht Club. They would like to see Southland win, for they had shown the other three provinces what the sport meant in rougher waters.

Mr T. Bragg stated that Southland was a young association, but they followed the sport with keen enthusiasm.