UNFORTUNATE RACE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12613, 25 November 1926, Page 10

UNFORTUNATE RACE

SECOND SANDERS CUP TRIAL ONLY ONE YACHT FINISHES. The second trial for the selection of the Wellington candidate for the Sanders Cup was marred by a set of unfortunate circumstances. It was anticipated that, with the fresh northerly blowing last evening, the yachts would be well tested on the clioppy harbour. Of the three fourteen-looters to start, however, AH Black was the only one to finish the course, Peggy having got a bad start and endeavoured to sail with too much canvas, and Wellesley losing a gaff when coming on the run home. Tho start was unfortunate. When the flags went up Peggy had just left the boat harbour, and when the last flag was lowered, she was about* 20 yards from the starting line, while Wellesley and All Black were on the line and some distance to windward. Skipper Sterling turned his yacht and started on the course, but was recalled by tho starter, thus losing 50 or 60 yards. There was a good beat up to Jerninghnm buoy, which was rounded by Wellesley 35 seconds ahead of All Black, and Peggy a further one minute 25 seconds away. Peggy had too much sail and could not carry it. Wellesley increased the lead for n while in the boat to the Coromandel buoy, but rounded it only 30 seconds ahead, while Peggy was six minutes and ten seconds behind the leading boat. The two leading yachts raced well in the run home, neither attempting to drag out any light sails. About halfway to Jerningham buoy Wellesley jibed owing to a defect in the gaff of the mainsail. The gaff eventuallv broke and the crew lowered the sail away, and gave up the race, while ‘Peggy did not finish the course, being too far behind. Tho boats started at 5.55, and All Black’s finishing time was <5.45.