YACHTING.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1922, Page 1

YACHTING.

MURIHIKU WINS FIFTH RACE. DUNEDIN, Feb. 12. Great interest was manifested in the fifth of the series of tjaces for the Sanders Cup yesterday afternoon, and r,he wharves and other vantage points were thronged with spectators. *At the start of the race a slight south east breeze was blowing, but shortly afterwards changed to -rf moderate north easter. Heather compleod the first round-25 seconds ahead of Muriliiku, and 21 minutes ahead of Desert Gold. The Otago Ivoat Held the lead throughout the second round, closely attended by Muriliiku, but Desert Gold dropped further back, being 81 minutes to the bail when the last round was commenced. Running liefore be wind, Heather’s spinnaker was ripped, and Murihiku took the lead. A great race ensued to the finishing post, Heather gradually overhauling Murihiku, and the latter just squeezing home by 12 seconds. Heather’s crew entered a. protest against Murihiku on the ground that she crossed the training wall, contrary to the conditions laid down, which had the effect of giving her the commanding position at the finish. The committee inspected the position this morning and dismissed the protest. THE SANDERS CUP. DUNEDIN, February 14.

Considerable publie interest was manifested this afternoon in the decision of a race for the Sanders Cup, which was the seventh race of the series Desert Gold (Auckland), Heather (Otago) and Murihiku (Southland) having each won two races.

The course today was ft triangular one. A fresh north east breeze gave promise to very good racing and a close finish. Unfortunately the failure of the wind at an early stage was so much in the Auckland boat’s favour that the other two competitors were left in a hopeless position. The three boats all becalmed together at one point of the course and the Desert Gold was lux-icy enough to he the first to drift into the wind, while the other two boats la v becalmed for about five minutes after the Auckland beat got well under way. The breeze being a fresh one, Desert Gold, was, in that, time aide to secure a commanding lead, which she held throughout the remainder of the race and won by close on five minutes. The Southland and Otago boats, on getting into the breeze Fought out an exciting duel, the Heather leading by five seconds at the finish and securing second place.

The finishing times were:—Desert Gold, one hour 57 minutes 25 secs.; Heather two hours 2 min. 25 sees; Mnrihiku, two hours 2 min. 30 secs. But for the setback l-eceived by the Southland and Otago boats, the rnce undoubtedly would have provided a very fine contest, the issue of which it would have been very difficult to determine.

Lady Jellicoe was an interested spectator of the race.

The cup was formally presented tonight, hut a protest has been lodged againßt the winner. The grounds of the protest have not been divulged. A committee is now considering the matter. A DISPUTE. DUNEDIN, February 14. The executive, m a further minute, stated: “No protest against sculling in to-day’s race was lodged by any of the competitors, and Judges did not report that there had been any bcuJ. ling-” , ~ The formal ceremony of presenting the cup was then proceeded with, the trophy being hAnded over to Mr ,T. B. Johnston, Commodore of the Auckland Yacht and Motor Boat Club. Mr J. P. MeCuliock, owner and skip per of the Heather, created something akin to a sensation, -by stating point blank that he had not a fair run.