FIRST RACE WON BY VORENA

Southland Times, Issue 23677, 28 November 1938, Page 2

FIRST RACE WON BY VORENA

SANDERS CUP TRIAL AT BLUFF CONDITIONS IDEAL FOR YACHTING The first trial race to determine the Southland representative at the Sanders Cup contest next February was sailed at Bluff yesterday morning and was won by the yacht Vorena, the owner and skipper of which is Mr J. Shannon, of Bluff. The race had to be abandoned on Saturday because of unfavourable weather but conditions yesterday were ideal. The weather was fine and warm and a south-easterly breeze, which later freshened, was blowing. There was a big attendance of spectators. The race was sailed over a triangular course. Only three yachts, the Vorena, the Rawene and the Rosita, competed. The Rawene got away to a good start and the Rosita followed closely to the first buoy, but the Vorena was slow in getting away. Spinnakers were set smartly for the run up to the west buoy, the Rawene turning first about two seconds ahead of the Vorena, with the Rosita now in third place. On the beat down, the Rawene maintained her lead and rounded the east buoy about 10 seconds ahead of the Vorena. The Rosita was making slow progress and turned about two minutes behind the second boat. Positions were unaltered as the boats approached the west buoy for the second round. At this stage, the Rawene changed from a leader to a working jib. On the run down to the east buoy the Vorena drew ahead of the Rawene and at the buoy was in the lead by about seven seconds. The Rosita was now showing up to advantage and was quickly closing the gap that separated her from the Rawene. Nearing the west mark, the Vorena had increased her lead slightly. Rounding the buoy, however, the Vorena and the Rawene stood across to the northeast and the Rosita stood to the south. A good manoeuvre, this gave the latter craft a sound advantage and she ran into the lead from the Vorena. The Vorena was coming up fast, however, and nearing the finishing line she passed the Rosita and won. The order of the boats was:— Vorena 1 Rosita 2 Rawene 3 Providing the weather is suitable another race will be held on Saturday.