SANDERS CUP RACE

Taranaki Daily News, 17 February 1927, Page 4

SANDERS CUP RACE

BETTY WINS FINAL EVENT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Feb. 16. The final race for the Sanders Cup was decided at Lyttelton this morning under ideal conditions, a fresh northeasterly breeze blowing. Betty was smartest away, followed by Rona, with Avalon last. Rona was the first to put about after the first tack across the harbour. When Betty turned it was seen that she had a fair lead on Rona. Avalon picked up a lot of ground on her first board, and went close to fouling Betty just after the latter had put about. Betty steered a much better course than Rona, going up in the face of the wind, Avalon at this stage having pursued a course right over to Diamond Harbour in preparation fur a long board against the wind. Opposite Ripa Island Betty held a commanding lead from Rona. Betty rounded the top buoy at 1120 o’clock, Rona a minute and a half later, and Avalon a similar interval behind Rona. On the return journey Avalon again pursued a course different from that adopted by Betty and Rona. Avalon struck trouble with her spinniker and lost ground before reaching Diamond Harbour. Betty lost all her handicap by missing the buoy at the top turn. Rona got round a few seconds ahead, and everybody prepared for an exciting race home. Avalon turned five minutes after Rona. Before half a mile had been covered Betty had taken the wind from Rona and assumed the lead. It was now a question of brains and tactics. Rona and Betty raced in close order, the Auckland yacht being to the windward and endeavouring to keep the wind from Betty. Betty Worked her spinnaker better, and opposite Officers’ Point was 30 yards to the good. There was an anxious moment just after this when Betty lost hetspinnaker, but she quickly regained it, and sailed away from Rona over ths completing stages to win by 18see. Avalon was a long way back third. The official finishing times were as follows: Betty, 12hr. 59min. I2sec.; Rona, 12hr. 59min. 30sec.; Avalon, I3hr. 2min. 5 sec.