PACIFIC CRUISE

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23318, 29 September 1945, Page 4

PACIFIC CRUISE

Early Misfortune (N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 28. Misfortune has dogged the crew of the yacht Siren, which left Wellington for Auckland on its way to Tahiti shortly before noon on Wednesday. Many requests were received from men wishing to make the trip, and when she left home the Siren had a complement of four. As she was leaving the Wellington boat harbour the mooring rope fouled the propeller and caused considerable delay,, but it was decided to continue without inspection idle damage. Strong southerly seas were rolling in. and the yacht left under power, with linely-settin" sails she made good progress till just off Cape Palllser, where she dipped to a 15 foot wave which drove her bow three feet under and the jib ripped from fool to peak. When the motor was started the propeller shaft was knocking, confirming tears that it had been bent. Late that evening the Siren returned '<> the boat harbour, and as scon as repairs have been effected she will set out on her voyage again. The skipper of the Siren is Fred Hayward, and his original companion was L. F. (“Fritz") Zimmerman. Eoth are returned soldiers. The Siren is a 30-foot yawl, drawing 7-1 feet, with an 8-foot beam. They are making for Tahiti, but have-no plans beyond that.