AQUATICS

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 22, 26 January 1924, Page 21

AQUATICS

(By SPEEDWELL.)

The prize money allotted to the sailing ; events for the Anniversary Regatta sliowg an increase on last year, and in the .-mall classes, where the entries arc usually very numerous, four prizes have l>een provided. In tile V class, for instance, the first prize is £10, second £5, third £2, and fourth £1. The 14ft one-design boats nice for the Ross Cup and miniature and £10, including a special prize of £5, donated by Mr. 11. Hrott. thp second prize lieing £•". and third £l This event is not handicapped, and with the absence of Rona in Wellington there is sure to be a good "go" between Queen March. Joan, Nyria and Desert Cold. which tlin writer would not he surprised to see finishing in tliis order, but it largely depends on who is at the helm of these four, any one of which could land the cup with the right man at the tiller. The first-class yachts have the Heather Cup and miniature, with 12.3 added, as first prize, flO for second, and £;i third, while the three other keel classes are well treated. The 2(i-footera' prize money is £15, £6, £2, and £1, the 20 and 22-footers being in proportion. £7 10/ is down for the II class for which only one prize is required, the first prize fur the V class bcins; the same, with £3 for second and £1 third. This is the only class which might have had a little more money as they are good boats, and, if all roll up, could make a good muster. Tlie launch classes have been arranged in a. more uniform manner, and almost every type of boat is catered for from the craft which only plugs along at seven knotg and under, to the out and out speed boat, of which there should be at least four really fast onirics, \iz.. 'Miss Auckland, Miss Devonport, Pussy- ' foot and a visitor from Waiiganui. There are several others with speeds of 17 to 20 knots, and on Monday last the committee considered the matter of lowering the qualifying speed for this event from 20 to 17 knots, but it has Anally decided to let it stand at 20. There is to he a full programme of 6\vimming races and side shows, while complete arrangements are in hand for the conveyance of patrons to and from Calliope Diiok and for providing refreshments. Aa it is plainly to be seen all the übove

matters cannot lie carried nut without the necessary funds. The public of this city have for the past 70 years subscribed generously to this fixture, established during the first ten years of the founding of the colony, and it is now the only function started by the early settlers which has survived. Many of the present-day citizens of (ireater Auckland arc just as keenly interested in this time-honoured gathering as their fathers and grandfathers were, and it only remains for the roinmittee to call on them and so give them the opportunity of adding lo the funds. In this connection it was pleasing lo receive a letter from Mr. John Marshall, of Reniuera, enclosing a donation and venturing the opinion that lie was probably the oldest member of past regatta committees now in Auckland- A special letter of thanks was sent to this ge'titleman. and the hope expressed that he would visit the flagship, Competitors in the various evenls should make themselves familiar with their correct courses and starting times. as several alterations have been made in lhe.se matters by the Sailing Comniittee, with a view to lessening tho number of courses, while the order of starting the mullet, boat classes is now according to size, viz.. the 20-fooie.s go away fust, followed by the 22-foote'rs and the 20-footers, but "for several years past this order has been reversed for some unknown reason. Taken on the whole, matters arc on a better footino this year right through, and it cuilv remains for the individual yacht or launch owner to do his share and enter his boat on Monday next.