You Take, But How

It's Not How Long

Fast You Go

Yachtsmen in Port Moresby are proudly calling it the longest race in the world —the 7,000 miles from Port Moresby to Durban.

The winner should be known soon since the qualifying period ended on December 31.

Although the $lOO prize is not enormous, the idea has caught on so well that a similar race is to be staged in 1968.

It all started when Port Moresby members of the Papua Yacht Club noticed that many visiting boats were on cruises that would take them to Durban. Then club member Noel Maloney offered to put up the prize money, and the race was on.

The winner is the yacht which makes the fastest trip to Durban. But as elapsed sailing time only is taken into account, there is plenty of time for competitors to linger en route.

They can take part without spoiling either their cruise or their chances in the race.

Engines may not be used, except to re-charge batteries, or when entering port.

Among the yachts in the first race are several mentioned in these columns this month. The Durban Yacht Club will do the judging job and send the results to Port Moresby.

• Picture shows the scene outside the Papua Yacht Club in Port Moresby.