SANDERS CUP

Evening Star, Issue 19793, 17 February 1928, Page 4

SANDERS CUP

THIS AFTERNOON’S RACE WEATHER CHANGES A FULL-SAIL BREEZE. [From Our Own Reporter.] HALFMOON BAY, February 17. After a week of sunshine .and light breezes the weather changed this morning, a moderate westerly wind bringing on a misty rain. Shortly before noon the wind veered round to the south-west, and rain fell heavier and the wind freshened considerably. The indications are for a full-sail breeze for the first race, but the big crowd of visitors who will be following the yachts over the course in Paterson’s Inlet will find the conditions far from pleasant. Over 140 arrived from the Bluff this morning to watch today’s race. Interest is exceptionally high both on the island and on the mainland, for the contest promises to be the keenest since its inception seven years ago. All the competing boats were given a final try out yesterday afternoon, and the skippers are agreed that the result is not easy to pick. One thing is certain, the defender (Betty) will have a hard task to retain the cup. The only boat which appears to be a little below the standard of the other representatives is the Wellesley IT. If heavy weather is experienced this afternoon the Eileen (Otago) might be found rather tender. However, George Kellett (Eileen’s skipper) is more confident than when ho sailed the Winifred at Lyttelton last t'onr.