YACHTING MISHAPS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1929, Page 5

YACHTING MISHAPS

By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 18. Disaster attended the ocean yacht race from Wellington to Port Underwood and back, in which live yachts— Nanette, Galatea, Mana, Windward and Shamrock were competing, during the week-end. During the first lap on Saturday afternoon the Nanette had her mast broken, off Island Bay. On the return journey a .storm struck both the Windward and Shamrock when about halfway across Cook Strait. The mast of the Windward snapped, and it was only after skilful manoeuvring on the part of the Shamrock that the Windward could be-secured and towed back to. Tory Channel. Violent seas made the experience ot all concerned an unenviable one, and there was considerable anxiety until the Shamrock towed her charge to safety. The rope snapped four times, adding further to the trials of the crews.

As nothing further could be done at tiie time with the Shamrock and Windward, the yachtsmen boarded Perano’s launch, and meeting the Tamahine from Picton, in the Channel, were taken aboard for the return to Wellington. The Windward will have to be towed back to Wellington in her present condition, or a new mast fitted if she is to make the journey herself. The Mana did not start back on the homeward journey. The yachtsmen are loud in praises of the hospitable treatment accorded them by the people of the Sounds.