THE WELLINGTON ANNIVERSARY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10562, 23 January 1895, Page 5

THE WELLINGTON ANNIVERSARY.

(Teb Press Association. I WELLINGTON, Jan. 22. There was splendid weather for the and the streets were almost deserte d. Despite the regatta, large numbers went out by trains. Besides the regatta and races the Friendly Societies bad a sports meeting on the Basin Reserve, which was fairly attended. At the Friendly Societies’ sports to-day, H. E. Woon and J. Plansghan tied for the Grand Demonstration Handicap. In the amateur events, the Ladies’ Bracelet 880yds, was won by A. J. Patrick 45yds, E.‘ W. Smythe 45yds, 2; F. H. Harley 25yds, 3, Time—2min Of sec. The bicycle events resulted: —■ Two Miles L. S. Herbert 40yds, 1; A; Nicholls 350yds, 2; A. Hunt 85yds, 3. - Time—smin 45sec. Three Miles (roadsters) —P. Fabian 290yde, 1; A. Nicholls 350yds, 2; A. Hunt 250yds, 3. Time—9min 15sec. Four Miles—L. S. Herbert 100yds, 1; T. M. Lucky scr, 2; A. Nicholls 70yds, 3. Time 21-|sac. THE EEGATTA. The annual regatta under the auspices of the Port Nicholson Yacht Club was held to-day, and proved to be one of the most successful gatherings in the history of the club. During the forenoon there was not a breath of wind, the water in the harbour being like glass, and when the gun was fired at 11 o’clock to start the boats in the first-class event, the fleet lay almost motionless off the wharf. Within half an hour, however, a light southerly breeze sprang up, and continued throughout the rest of the day. This suited the smaller craft admirably, but was far from satisfactory to the larger boats, notably the competitors engaged in the first-class event. The win of the Waitangi in the big event was very popular, and Mr Logan, her builder, who steered her in the race, received a great ovation as he crossed the line at the finish, the enthusiasm being renewed when the Eona, winner of the second-class championship, which was also built by Mr Logan, drew up alongside the Waitangi, and the two boats sailed away together to their moorings. It was very evident that the wind was far too light to allow of the Mascotte showing the excellent sailing qualities she undoubtedly possesses.- The sailing of the Napier boat in the second-class race was very much admired, and regret was expressed that she could not be awarded first money. It is understood that she is under offer to a Wellington syndicate, her owner being desirous of securing a larger boat. The following are the particulars of the principal events:— First-class Championship Yacht Race, 5-rating and over; first prize .£IOO and the Commodore’s cup, second £2O • distance, about 27 knots Mr E. Logan’s (Auckland) Waitangi, 10rating, 6mia 38sec, 1; Mr James Sinclair’s (Lyttelton) Mascotte, 14rating, scratch, 2; Mr M. Millar’s (Lyttelton) Pastime, 8-rating, lOmiu SOseo, 3; Mr George Mes’a (Wellington) Matifcana, 13-rating, Imin 24sec, 4. All the boats came up to the flagship with their kites on, the Maritana and the two Lyttelton yachts carrying the club topsails, and the Aucklander an ordinary jib header. The Maritana was away first, and on crossing the line she was as far up to windward as she could get, and hoisting a big balloon jib, she soon cleared the flagship. The Pastime, with her owner at the helm, was close behind, having crossed the line only 25seo after the firing of the gun, and she also sent up her balloon jib, as did the Waitangi, which got a very bad start, owing to Mr Logan, who was sailing her, being determined that she should be well inside the line. The Aucklander lost 3min 55sec in getting away, and the Mascotte, which is usually smart at starting, was even worse, being 4min ssao behind. The Pastime tore along at a great rate iwhen she felt the southerly breeze, and soon displaced the Maritana, which was last. When the boats disappeared from view round Point Halswell, about four miles from the Queen’s Wharf, the Waitangi was second, two minutes behind Pastime, and a similar distance in front of Mascotte. On the beat to Worser’s Bay the Waitangi exhibited splendid pace, and, overhauling the Pastime, assumed a strong lead, the Mascotte also coming up and passing Pastime. On the run to the buoy off Petone, the Waitangi increased her lead, while the Maritana slightly improved her position. The first round was completed as follows s —Waitangi, Ihr 57min SOseo; Mascotte, 2hr 9min; Mari.tana, 2hr 15min ssec; Pastime, 2hr 19min. On the run to Worser Bay for the second time, the Waitangi increased her lead by about six minutes, and, sailing splendidly, crossed the line an easy winner at 4hr 59miu 52sec. The Mascotte, which was three or four miles behind her, finished at shr 27min 29eee. The Pastime and Maritana finished close together shortly before six o’clock, the former having the advantage. Second - class' Championship Yacht Eace, two and a half rating, and under five; first prize .£3O and trophy, second .£10; distance about twenty knots —Mr A. H. Turnbull’s Eona, 4-3 rating, Imin 7seo, 1. Mr T. G. .Osborne’s laoa, 4 6 rating, sor, 2. Atalanta (Napier), Waiwetu, Mahina and Mspu also started. This was a close race. The Atalanta (which had 6min 1439 c time allowance) completed the first round at Ihr 38min, followed by the Eona at Ihr 39min, the Isca at Ihr 39min sssc, and the Mapu at Ihr 42min. Prom this out the Atalanta maintained her lead, and crossed the line at 4hr smin, exactly a minute in front of the Eona, which was twelve minutes ahead of the Isca. The first prize was awarded to the Eona, the Napier boat being disqualified for having carried a

larger mainsail than she was rated for* The third-class yacht race was iron by the Iris. Several other events for smaller craft were also got off during the day. The handicap race for all yachts, irrespeopeetive of size, will be sailed on Saturday, over the championship course, when it is probable that all the yachts taking part in to-day’s regatta will compete. :