YACHTING

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 80, 28 December 1921, Page 7

YACHTING

ROYAL PORT NICHOLSON CLUB RACES FOR SANDERS’ CUP TEST The first race of a series of five tests for 14-foot one-design, class to represent Wellington for the Sanders' Memorial Cup at Dunedin, took place yesterday. Three boats faced the starter —His Excellency Viscount Jellicoe’s Iron Duke, sailed by G. F. Bothamley; Mr. H. Roberts’s Foneke, sailed by E. R. Bailey; and Messrs. Clark and Blair’s Claire, sailed by B. White. The wind was fresh from the north and was squally. The Iron Duke was first over the line, followed by Poneke and Claire. On the roach to Point Jerningham tho same order was maintained. On rounding the buoy Iron Duke went about and sailed a course towards the wharves, while the other boats held on into the middle of the harbour. This proved the best course as the wind was steadier, and Iron Duke was becalmed at times. On rounding the Coromandel buoy Poneke was well ahead of Claire, and Iron Duke some three minutes behind. On the run to the Clyde Quay mark Iron Duke passed Clair, but on turning tho mark Poneke was still 3min. ssec. ahead. The same order was maintained to Point Jerningham ,as Poneke stood in to, tho town, while Iron Duke stood well out into the harbour. Claire followed Poneke. Iron Duke was sailing well, and when she went about was heading lor the weather mark, and' on splitting tacks came out a few yards to leeward of Poneke, while Claire was several minutes behind. On the run home, Poneke was slow an getting up her spinnaker, and Iron Duke set her’s very smartly, and soon drew level with Poneke. Iron Duke gradually drew out ahead of Poneke, and had gained about five lengths when a sudden squall struck Poneke and the spinnaker went over her mast and she capsized. Iron Duke then lowered her spinnaker and crossed the finishing line some five minutes ahead of claire, thus winning the first test. , Mr Brodie’s launch Taua went to the rescue of the Poneke’s crew and towed the boat to the Boat Harbour. The officials in charge of the tests are Messrs. Millman, Scott, and Breen. The next test will be sailed at IO.JO a.m. to-day.

CANTERBURY’S REPRESENTATIVE. A Press Association telegram Christchurch states that The Linnet will represent Canterbury in the race for the Sanders Memorial Cup at Dunedin.