CONTEST FOR STAR CUP

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 610, 12 March 1929, Page 14

CONTEST FOR STAR CUP

Tho star boat fleet made a. commencement last week-end with the series of sailings tor the handsome Star Cup presented by the parent association in America. last season. 01.1 IV. won it last year and will still hold it on present showings. The first race. around the Davenport course: was sailed in light, southerly weather. June got well away and was leading when approaching the white light. but she lost ground by not taking advantage of the opportunities ottering and Ola. slipped into first place, leading Moa. at the end of the first round. by umin. At the end. of the second round 01a. had got 35min ahead. 7 _ _»

The second race was in squally south-westerly weather, with rain threatening. June came up to the starting mark with a tuck in. Ola's crew apparently had some idea of going on short sail. for they had started to lace in a reef, but changed their mind and put up full sail. From the start all boats had a good run down, but Ola gradually worked ahead and was round the Sandspit some minutes ahead of the other two. Moe. with all sail up, found it hard work slugging up harbour against the tide. Each time she went to port she lost ground. June after rounding the Sandspit put in very short boards and seemed unable to miss the tide rip down the spit for a, time. Ilowever, when Moa was blanketed by a. scow. June went on the starboard tack and ran well up into Devonport hay, east of the wharf. and looked like overhaulying Mon. which was out in the current. A fierce rain squall made the harbour white and June lay over in the driving sleet. nlaking no headway. while 1103. in attempting to round the mark off Devonport, hit it and gave up. June, apparently not realising this. and knowing that Ola had sailed merrily down when June was not half-way up harbour, did not finish and so lost a. second place. Ola was handled in smart style and showed that even in “pot holey” water the Star boats are capable of giving a. good account of themselves. Lloa. was not handled with the same firmness and vigour as Ola.