Ketch Seaward Sails Third In Yact Race Across Tasman Sea

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 February 1949, Page 6

Ketch Seaward Sails Third In Yact Race Across Tasman Sea

AUCKLAND, Last Night (P.A.)— At 1.30 this afternoon the Tauranga ketch Seaward, third yacht in the Tasman race, crossed the finishing line, nearly three days behind Peer Gynt, the winner. Contrary to some reports, Seaward had not used its engines at any stage of the race.

As soon as Seaward was cleared by Customs and health authorities, the crew rushed ashore and hurriedly changed in order to attend a reception for Tasman yacht race crews, held by the Mayor (Mr. Allum). This was timed to start at 3 o’clock, but Seaward was not cleared until about that time. However, the crew managed to arrive at the reception before it finished.

After about eight days out from Sydney, Seaward spent six days in patches of fog, and for most of that period was practically becalmed, said the skipper, Mr. P. Benson. For the last portion, however, the wind had been quite good and the ketch took about 42 hours to sail from North Cape to the finish. No sign of the Te Hongi was reported by Cape Brett Lighthouse. The weather was bad and visibility about 100 yards. The seas were rough and rain was heavy for the most part.