A Yacht Called Erewhon by Stuart Vaughan Page A

novice at the helm and, beforepurchasing Jabberwocky , had stamped his mark in smaller yachts. His campaign, like Erewhon’ s, was hindered by the lack of competition, as he too left all comers way behind on Sydney Harbour. When the news of Erewhon ’s launch filtered through to Australia, Buffalo quickly dispatched a letter to Mac, challenging him to a series of races over an America’s Cup-type course at a location of his choice. Mercedes was ecstatic—at last, a decent race for Erewhon —and, under extreme pressure from his daughter, Mac replied with tentative arrangements.
    Buffalo Smith had made arrangements for Jabberwocky to be shipped to the East Coast of America, and was booked to sail from Sydney to Auckland and then on to Fort Lauderdale via Panama. He kept the booking for the Auckland–Panama leg, but opted to leave early to sail Jabberwocky across the Tasman for the match with Erewhon. As was the norm in that era, Jabberwocky was fitted with a special set of heavy-weather sails and a shortened rig for the ocean sortie, and her appearance in the Waitemata Harbour was less than flattering. The crossing had taken its toll, but Buffalo and his crew set about re-rigging the yacht back to her best. The original mast, which had been shipped ahead, was reinstalled, the sail wardrobe was refitted and, after a few days of sea trials, the two yachts were introduced.
    While the refit had been going on, Buffalo took time out to introduce himself to Mac and the sheila he was supposed to be sailing against. On meeting Mercedes, he made it known that he’d crossed the Tasman for a proper race. Judging by his comment, she knew he didn’t consider her a serious threat. Politely, she informed the obnoxious Australian that she would stand aside in Toby’s favour if she didn’t win the first race. Mercedes’ dander was up and, so far as she was concerned, hell would freeze over before she’d let that buffoon beat her to the finish line.
    Mac added fuel to the fire by suggesting a wager on theoutcome of the three-race series. To simulate America’s Cup races, Mac and Buffalo agreed to a windward-leeward course, similar to the Long Island event, to be held in the Hauraki Gulf. Then, to mirror the original Round the Isle of Wight course, a race around Great Barrier Island, starting and finishing at Orakei Wharf, would complete the event.
    The wager was put in place, too, with the loser to present a gold cup to the winner. Both men shook hands.
    The two yachts stood proudly alongside each other at King’s Wharf, the iron gate flung wide open to the enthusiastic crowd, permitting them to look close-up at the sleek racing machines.
    The crews pushed their way down the wharf and climbed on board to make ready. Mercedes and Toby arrived in the blue Bugatti, and the crowd parted as they walked hand-in-hand to Erewhon. As Mercedes boarded, three cheers went up, and her heart pounded even harder. Buffalo arrived with his tactician, and the crowd courteously made a path for them, though he had to endure their partisan jibes.
    Jabberwocky ’s pristine white hull was reflected in the inkblue water, and she looked every bit a racing thoroughbred, with varnished decks and polished brass fittings gleaming in the morning sun.
    Buffalo took the beating badly as Erewhon swept the series three–nil, but consoled himself with the fact that Erewhon was longer and carried more sail. A man of his word, he kept his part of the wager by presenting Mercedes with a gold cup, inscribed The Mercedes McAlister Challenge Cup , at a function in the new clubhouse. Mercedes was absolutely delighted with the result. She accepted the trophy and re-presented it to theclub as the prize for challenge races between Australian and New Zealand J-class yachts.
    As the evening went on, Buffalo handed Mac an envelope. ‘I would like you to consider this,’ he said. Without another word, he turned on his heels and joined the rest of his crew at the bar.
    Mac,