Through Stormy Seas

In a 10-tons Yacht

From Our Own Correspondent.

APIA, Sept. 27.

A PROBABLY unprecedented trip was undertaken by Captain C. O. Ander son, well-known Island skipper, when, by order of the present owner, Mr. R. D.

Head, he took the small yacht “Viking" (10 tons) from Pago Pago (American Samoa) via Suva (Fiji) and Niue Island to Haapai and Nukualofa, in the Tongan Islands.

The “Viking” had been chartered by Mr. Lawler and Dr. Stewart, who, coming from Apia to Pago Pago, had missed the connection with the Matson liner at Pago Pago, to convey them from Pago Pago to Suva. The engine went on strike shortly after leaving American Samoa, but Suva was reached after a fair weather trip, under sail, on June 18, At Suva, Captain Anderson was in structed to take the vessel to Niue, 780 miles. After a voyage of 13½ days, battling against stiff trade winds all the time, and calling on the way at Lifuka (Haapai Group) Niue was reached, where Captain Anderson had a wonderful re ception and a well-earned rest, for two weeks. He enjoyed the utmost hospi tality from the few Europeans on the island, especially from the genial Com missioner (Captain Bell) and the “Vi king’s” owner (Mr. R. D. Head). On July 25, the “Viking” was off again for Nukua lofa, and possibly Auckland.

The crew by this time consisted only of Captain Anderson and a faithful Raro tongan boy, Sione. The other member of the crew, young Robert Rex, of Niue, had preferred to stay behind, not finding the expected “romance of the sea” quite true to label.

After the first 152 miles had been done in 18 hours, the barometer started falling rapidly, the wind increased, and stiff squalls followed each other. On July 26 the south-wester increased to a gale.

Things got worse on the next day, a sea-anchor was got out, with an oil-bag over the weather bow, sails were stowed, and all efforts directed to keeping the little vessel under steering control.

Buckets and empty tins had to be used for baling. After many hours, the sea moderated, and the skipper and his boy heartily enjoyed their first cup of coffee, reinforced with the product of good old Scotland.

Owing to the direction of the wind, it proved impossible to reach Nukualofa direct; so sails were hoisted again and Lifuka Harbour (Haapai) was safely reached for the second time, late on July 28.

From there the Viking went to Nukua lofa in fine weather. The yacht was dis posed of to some Tongan buyers, and.

Captain Anderson returned to Apia.