AUCKLAND REGATTA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 23, 28 January 1891, Page 5

AUCKLAND REGATTA.

TIPS FOR TO-MORROW.

With propitious weathor it is anticipated that to-morrow's anniversary aquatic carnival will be fully equal in point of success to most of our regattas of lato years, and it is pretty certain that taken in all the day's sports in the harbour will aHord some very pretty and interesting spectacles. In yachting and boating circles in the city great interest is being taken in the various events on the Regatta programme, and in the sailing races especially much speculation h rife as to the probable results. The Regatta Committee have made very complete arrangements for the successful passing off of the day's sports, and have no doubt gained some wisdom from their experiences in former regattas. There is one thing, perhaps, of which they may need a gentle reminder—thati is regarding the courses of the various races. All will remember the bungling at the Jubilee Regatta last year caused by the Committee's neglect to clearly define tho poeitiona of the mark-buoye. A little care beforehand in tliia respect would save a world of trouble.

The s.s. To Anau, of the Union Company's fleet;, which arrived from Sydney this morning, is to be the flagship tomorrow, and will be moored out in the stream oft" tho Queen-street Wharf in the usual position. Tenders will run to and from the Queen-street Wharf throughout the day with visitors to the flagship, a charge of 2s 6d being made for the privilege of viowing the races from tho steamer's deck. A substantial lunch will be provided on board during tho day. The Quaen-street Wharf will have a portion of its outer end fenced off for spectators, by permission of the Auckland Harbour Board, and a small charge will bo made for admission. The Te Anau will make an excursion outside the harbour in the evening, afc the conclusion of the races, returning to the Queenstteeb Wharf. Hunter's fine Brass Band will be stationed on board the flagship all day, and another baud will beguile the spectators on the Queen-street Wharf with musical selections.

One of the regulations of the day is that all races not concluded by 7.30 to-morrow evening will have to be contested again on a day to be fixed.

The Regatta Committee have arranged quite a number of side-shows for the day as diversions for the spectators on the wharves and flacship, including greasy boom events, duck hunts, sea-horse race, etc., which should prove amusing. It is a great pity that none of the warships of the British Squadron on this station are in port) here on this occasion, as their presence invariably adds greatly to the eclat of the day's festivities. As a consequence of this the naval gig and cutter races placed on the Regatta programme will of necessity fall through. It is a matter for congratulation on the part of every Aucklander in the least interested in things aquatic and in yachting that our port continues to maintain its pre-eminence in these colonies in its fleet of yachts and in the ability and skill of its amateur sailors. Undoubtedly our splendid cruising grounds and the natural suit, ability of the port are the main causes which we have to thank for this, and it is gratifying to find such an interest taken in boating amongst young Aucklanders, Auckland can boast of the largest yachting fleet of any in the Australasian colonies. There are larger yachts on the other side, ifc is true, but the big "mosquito fleets" are not there. During the preeent summer season more new small yachts have been built and launched on the Waitemata than in any previous year or any other port. About fourteen new craft have been launched within the last two or three months from local boat-building yards. The first and largest is the Moana, Wilson's new 7-ton-ner, a smarfc-looking deep-keeler. Quite a number of 4-ton raters of the centreboard type have been built, comprising the Mizpah (built by C. Bailey, junior, for Mr A. L. Wilson), the Startle and Vavau (both Clare's), Minnie (Drummond's new boat), and La Mascotte (built by J. Waymouth to the order of Mr MacCormick and others). The new three-tonners include the Minerva (built by C. Bailey, jnr., for Mr F. Russell of the North Shore), which has turned one quite a " hummer," the deep-keeler Millie (built by Carr for Mr R. Little, of the Sailors' Hotne), and three well ■ finished little craft built by Willett, Le Huguet (North Shore) and Smales (Fonsonby). Huguet's boat has been bought by Mr Tame, of the Shore. A yacht has also been built for fishing purposes which showed very good form at the late Judge's Bay Regatta—the 5-ton Clio, built by H. Garnet. Mr Logan has just started another fishing yacht of 7 tons at the Shore for an Auckland resident, but of course she will have no opportunity of exhibiting her racing qualities until next Regatta. A number of small ppen sailing boats have also been built in the port lately. The task of picking out the probable winners in the various events on the programme for to-morrow is in some cases a

rather difficult one, chiefly owing to the large number of new craft introduced. However, we give our " tips" based on what is known of the racing qualities of each boab. The first two races for the day are those for coasting vessels, scows and cutters. The scow race is usually a tame one aa far as the spectacular effect goes, bub some of these lumbering looking craffc can make surprisingly good work with a favouring breeze. It is impossible to tell how the event may go, as in all probability there will be several post entries. Ab present the Pukapuka andDungarvon have the race between them. The second event is the

Cutter Race.—The Henry and Lily were the only formal entries for this event, but the Gannet and Antelope are considered likely to come to the post to-morrow. Should they do so, the Henry, last year's winner, should be first past the posb, with the Gannet second.

First-class Yachts.—Oub of the four craft entered our choice is the Arawa to win, with the Ngaira next, and the Spray third. Time allowance may alter things somewhat.

Second Class Yachts.—The Tawera, Moana and Mapu are entered. The Mapu should come in ahead, with the Moana for second place.

Large Fishing Boats.—The Christina, if she starts, should carry off the race, with the Laurina next and the Clio third.

Second - class Fishing - boats. — The Minnie, Drummond'p now boat, should leave all her antagonists in the rear. She is to be sailed by C. Nelson, of the Manola, which is a guarantee that she will be well handled. The Mignonette should be second and the Venice third.

Third-Class Yachts.—Oub of the big field entered for this event we will pick the Minerva to win, with a light wind. MacCornick's La Mascotte may make a hard fight for first place, but with a strong breeze the Tangafoa should show the way home. It is a pify that the Manola was not entered for this race.

Open Satlino Boats.—ln this event for boata under 20ft. and over 16ft. the Era should win, with the Clytie second. For the open boats under 16ft. the Alice may win, the Phyllis close up.

Champion Whaleboats.—The first prize for this event—generally the event of the day—is £90 this year. There will be four starters—the Waitemata, Hauraki, Waitara and Manukau crews. The Waitemata, who will be stroked by Mick Keefe, are a good crew, though they have not had much training. The Waitara men are a staunch lot of fellows, but they pull too shorto and jerky a stroke. The Hauraki crew have been doing good work at the Thames, and are greatly fancied by their townspeople. The Manukau men won't disturb things much. They were signally defeated by the Waitara crew at) the Waitara R.egatta just lately. Our fancy is—Waitemata 1, Hauraki 2, Waitara Om Junior Wiialeboats.—Wβ will place crews in this event ac Waitemata No. 1,1; Ponsonby, 2. 9

Maidkn Whaleboats.— Hauraki «hould win.

The first race will start at 8.30 a.m. tomorrow. The s,B. Despatch is to follow the whaleboat race, starting at 3 p.m.