Lot 2937

Description

New Caledonia, Centenary of the French Presence in New Caledonia, and Sydney to Noumea yacht race, 1953, in silver (68mm), by R.B.B. (Roger Bertrand Baron), obverse, map of New Caledonia, above, '1853-1953' and below an area for naming (this medal unnamed), reverse, the route of the race course and in the centre a seahorse in the middle of a compass, around the outside, Course Croisiere Sydney - Noumea (Cruising Course Sydney - Noumea). In original circular box, uncirculated and scarce.

Together with enlarged photos of the medal and copies of pages from the book Australian Ocean Racing by Murray Davis which describes that only three races were scheduled to be held. In 1953, the first event with seven starters, 1957 with seven starters but only two finished and lastly in 1966 but cancelled because of insufficient entries. The races that were held were organised by the Cercle Nautique of New Caledonia together with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.