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An insight to a rough day in 1940 (NZ HERALD, 26 FEBRUARY 1940)


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Google turned up this is response to a search for activity at Rotomahana

YACHTS CAPSIZE

MANY IN TROUBLE RESCUES OF "CREWS SAILS AND MASTS LOST The chief storm damage in Auckland occurred on the harbour on Saturday afternoon; Yachts competing in the Devonport Yacht Club's annual regatta felt the full force of a strong northeasterly wind and, although all events ; were started, at least 30 of the competitors failed to finish. Of that number, almost 20 capsized and others blew out their sails or carried away masts. Three private motor-boats, including the Rotomahana, owned by Mr. H. Duder, commodore of the Devonport Yacht Club, Mr. T. Roberts' cruiser, three naval launches and a Harbour Board launch were engaged during the greater part of the afternoon picking up capsized crews and their boats. So busy were the rescue boats that some of the crews were in the water for over an hour, before they were discovered. Mr. Duder alone assisted seven capsized boats and crews. Craft Overturns Twice In the race for class 51 18ft. boats, the Manaia, owned by Mr. J. C. Frankham, capsized twice. The vessel overturned near Bean Bock and was towed to Orakei, where she was baled out. A start was made under the headsail for home, but shortly after the yacht had cleared the point a huge wave broke on board .and capsized the craft again. The crew of five stood by for some time. When no assistance was offering, Mr. Frankham anchored the boat and, with two of the crew, swam ashore. Hp secured a lifebelt and returned to the yacht. With this and the spinnaker boom as floats, the remaining members of the crew reached the beach safely. The Manaia, which was recovered yesterday, had her mast broken and lost her mainsail. The new 18ft'. yacht Celeste capsized near Orakei and was driven under the wharf and badly damaged. The 12ft. Silver Fern class boat Lei-Lanai, which capsized near the Sandspit beacon, was made fast alongside the flagship, but later broke adrift, and was recovered yesterday in St. Mary's boat harbour. Refuge on Compass Dolphin A number of boats capsized near the compass dolphin in Hobson Bay and the crews climbed to the top of it. They were later taken ashore by launch. The Z class boats Fury, Falcon, Lyla-and two others all met with trouble and brought up near the Royal Akarana Yacht Club's pavilion. The Frostbite sailing dinghy Kuaka overturnfed well out in the harbour. Her crew of two swam ashore, and the boat was found yesterday at Orakei seriously damaged. The 16ft. S class yacht Tiki, owned by the Misses Murray, of Devonport, capsized near Orakei while taking part in the race for her class. The crew managed to reach shore safely, but the boat piled up on the beach. "Other boats that capsized included the Norma, Marita, Invader, Lanai and Matara. The Matara overturned after winning in her class. Most Sports Postponed The A class yacht Little Jim, which was leading in the contest for the Duder Cup, carried away her mainsail near the Bastion beacon and returned to her moorings under headsails. The sea was so rough in Hobson Bay that some of the keel yachts could not pick up their moorings, and sought shelter up the harbour for the night. Apart from the yachting and the Auckland provincial amateur athletic championships, which were held as scheduled, most sports were postponed on Saturday afternoon. All cricket matches, the last round of the Auckland Bowling Centre's pennant competition, tenuis and baseball matches, and the midget car and motor-cycle racing at Western Springs Stadium, were postponed. The carnival to have been held on Saturday and to-night in the Newmarket Olympic Pool was changed to to-night and to-morrow night.

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Ah, the difference in media from then to now.  If that was reported in the Harold today, it would be all about how much money was involved, who was responsible, quotes from random unconnected people and some "opinion" from people who are "experts"......

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2 minutes ago, Dtwo said:

Ah, the difference in media from then to now.  If that was reported in the Harold today, it would be all about how much money was involved, who was responsible, quotes from random unconnected people and some "opinion" from people who are "experts"......

...and what the possible impact will be on the value of your house...

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Hospitality NZ says that the cancelation of events that evening was a "kick in the guts to hardworking restaurateurs and bar owners" and will have a huge impact on employment with many skilled barmen and waitresses leaving for better opportunities overseas.

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