Record Trip

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 197, 6 September 1937, Page 7

Record Trip

- Press Assn.-

TASMAN CROSSING Awatea's Run From Auckland To Sydney 57 HOURS 33 MINUTES

(B» Telegraph-

-Copyrlght.i

(Received 6, 10.30 a.m,)' i SYDNEY, This aDy. The Awatea entered Sydney Heads af 7.3 this morning from Auckland, thereby establishing a new record for the Tasman crossing of 57 hours 33 minutes, clipping 20 minutes off the Monterey's time. After 8 o'clock last night a strong westerly wind rose again, but the Awatea maintained good time. There was tremendous exeitement aboard yesterday, 'and at luneheon passengere made congratulatory speeches oh the day's run. Sydney sMpping circles took a keen interest in the Awatea's performi ance. A radio message from the Sydney Morning Herald's xepresentative aboard received here last night, stated: "We cleared Auckland harbour at lll p.m. oii. Friday in heavy rain and in very low visibility. We passed,jX!ape Maria Yan Diemen at 8 p.m. on ©aturday in a moderate westerly. To-day's run of 555 miles was a record for the Awatea, or probably any other ship south of the line, despite a strong westerly and a big sea from 4 a.m .to-day. The weather is slightly modeuating. We hope to arrive at SydnOy Heads about 7 a.m." A later message stated; "At 8 p.m, the Awatea is 264 miles off Sydney.** Fcr two hours the Awatea averaged 24 knots. The reeord-breaking run was made in the face of a strong westerly wind and very high seas. The Awatea's top speed was 24 knots, This was maintained for a couple of hours on Saturday. Captain Davey said he experienced about 20 hours of fair weather during the voyage. He had encountered three separat© gales, and had to contend with Lead winds and rough seas, most of Sunday and early this morning. Captain Davey received a cable from Captain Meyer, of the Mariposa, reading; "Hearty congratulations on excellent run. Enndest regards."-