Intrepid Voyager

After nearly 11 months at sea. Major Adrian Hayter, of Takaka, sailed his 25ft. keeler Valkyr into Nelson haven to receive the plaudits worthy of a roan who had sinhanded sailed such a tiny and comparatively frail craft half-way round the world, In making this journey Major Hayteris believed to have established a record which will not easily be broken - a circuit of the world in a yacht. Earlier he had made a similar voyage, over a different course, in "Sheila". A big crowd turned out to see Major Hayter arrive. Unfortunately, however, wind and tide were against him on the last leg of his trip, from D'Urville Island, and he arrived in pitch darkness

This picture of Major Hayter aboard the obviously weatherbeaten Valkyr, was taken the day after his arrival at Nelson when he was officially welcomed home at a function at the Aurora Sailing Club, of which he is an honorary life member.