DARING SAILOR

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1012, 1 July 1930, Page 12

DARING SAILOR

DEATH OF CAPTAIN F. C. TOWNSEND PROMINENT WATERFRONT FIGURE With the death of Captain F. O. Townsend at the Auckland Public Hospital at noon yesterday, the Auckland waterfront has lost an old identity and the sea a daring and skilful sailor. Captain Townsend, who returned from the New Hebrides on Sunday by the mission ship Southern Cross, had been in ill-health throughout the voyage and was admitted to the hospital immediately the vessel arrived. However, he gradually weakened and died shortly before noon yesterday. Captain Townsend who was about 78 years of age worked at his calling right up to his illness. Two months ago, on May 10, as master of the schooner Navanora, he sailed out of the Waitemata Harbour, bound for Vfinikoro, in the Santa Cruz group. The Xavanorrfc. formerly the Saucy Kate, was purchased by Messrs. Cowan and Sarich for the South Sea Islands trade and the vessel reached Vila, New Hebrides, on June 10. It was here that Captain Townsend’s health failed him and he joined the Southern Cross as a passenger to Auckland. Many and daring were the adventures of the captain during a lifetime spent on the ocean. In May, 1929, he was a member of the crew of the 44-ton yacht, Valkyrie, which arrived at Suva after a trying 33 days’ voyage from Auckland. The Valkyrie, which carried a number of tourists, including several women, stayed at Suva for five months before returning to New Zealand last January. A particularly daring piece of seamanship on the part of Captain Townsend, which received great publicity, and commendation in yachting circles, took place in 1926. In that year lie navigated the 10-ton yacht Psyche from Wellington to Sydney by way of Pioton—a distance of 1,600 miles. He brought his small vessel through unharmed, in spite of the heavy seas which hampered other shipping. When in the mood, Captain Townsend had many thrilling stories to tell. For many years he was connected with the pearling industry at Broome and there was scarcely a corner of the world where he had not been at some time or other in his long and adventurous life. His death has closed the interesting life of a picturesque personality and skilful seaman. With his demise another link between the days of sail and the modern days of steam has been snapped.