YACHT CAPSIZES IN SQUALL

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 84, 3 January 1935, Page 2

YACHT CAPSIZES IN SQUALL

Another Craft*Disabled

YOUTHFUL CREW RESCUED WITH DIFFICULTY

By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Auckland, January 2. V ith a mainsail shattered by lightning, yachtsmen on board the'lB-foot boat Dawn 11. were immediately called on to rescue the crew of a small yacht which had been capsized in the same squall on the upper harbour. The squall occurred during a severe thunderstorm experienced widely over Auckland. The small craft, whicn was one of the Wakatere class, was manned by J. Dimmery, aged about 14, and three young companions, while the crew of the Dawn H. comprised Mr. W. T. Haydon, of Grey Lynn, ills wife and daughter, after whom the yacht is named, and N. Brunton. The two yachts were in the vicinity of Watchman Island and sailing toward Cox’s Creek, about 100 yards apart.

“With a report like a' six-inch gun and a blinding flash,” said Mr. Haydon, “the sail ripped from top to bottom and blew to shreds. The boat heeled over on her beam ends, and only the fact that all the crew climbed out on to the windward side saved us from capsizing. At the same time the rain came down in torrents, and I just saw the Wakatere ahead of us turn over and throw her crew into the water. “Tearing along under jib and what remained of its mainsail we tried to bring our craft head to yind and get the lads on board, but the rain was so heavy that we lost sight of them, and when we finally dropped anchor we were about 70 yards away. They were all clinging to the upturned boat, but ’ it would not support their weight. We shouted and signalled to them to swim to us, and they were all making good progress in a chbppy sea when Dimmery called out that his companion was sinking. They were then soote 20 yards away. I got into the dinghy, and we hauled the two boys on board without further trouble. The yacht remained at anchor and rode the squall, which lasted about half an hour. At times the rain was so heavy, and the spray which was being whipped up by the wind so thick, that it was impossible to see the bowsprit from the cockpit.” The Wakatere was later towed to the shore, and a passing launch subsequently towed both yachts to an anchorage.