Line Honours To Chinchilla

The annual Wellington-Nelson yacht race is becoming popular and this year's event attracted 13 competitors. Line honours went to the 42ft. Carmen class entrant, Chinchilla, skippered by Chris Harris. One of the members of Chinchilla's crew was All Black fullback, Gerald Kember, who started sailing this season. "And it's great fun too, " said the former Nelson College boy who toured South Africa with the 1970 All Blacks. Second across the line was Whispers II, skippered by J. A. Stagg. However, winner on the handicap was Castanet with W. C. McKenzie at the helm. Castanet was winner of the Suva race two years ago. There were nine yachts in the race last year, 13 this time. Twenty next year?

Sails billowing, Chinchilla makes a graceful sight as she glides past the finish line in Nelson Haven. in the background is the Nelson Yacht Club

All Black fullback Gerald Kember has a spell after the race

The winning crew: Gerald Kember, A. Lock, Chris Harris (captain), F. Mahoney, R. Fernyhough. In front are J. Wallace and G. Jones

Near the finish line, Viking (1014) slowed her pace and Sequioa II, skippered by A. Wyness, slipped past

The light wind in Nelson Haven was not enough to move the 72ft keeler, Viking, at a smart clip but she still presents a magnificent sight. She was skippered by B. J. Todd but was disqualified for using her motor to stop in French Pass.

Whispers II, sails down and framed by the rigging of Chinchilla.

Nelson Yacht Club members zipping about in Miss Conduct.

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The Nelson Photo News

No 124 : March 6, 1971

Line Honours To Chinchilla