OPENING OF THE BOATING SEASON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXI, Issue 265, 8 November 1897, Page 2

OPENING OF THE BOATING SEASON-

Tho boating "season wa. opened on Saturday afternoon, when tho weather was veiy unfavourable, there being a fresh S W. wind blowing, with occasional squalls of rain. There was the usual procession of rowing boats, headed by tho Naval Brigade's Aurora. Tha Rowing Club manned only three boats— two outriggers aud a double-sculler — consequently tho spectacle was les. imposing than usual. Tho sea was rather lumpy for tho frail craft. There was ft capital muster of sailing boats, however, the '• mosquito fleet '' having beon considerably added to lately. There is a tendency this season for tho young men to go in moro for sailing boats, and Saturday's display augurs well for the future. The sailing boats did somo manu-uvring up aud down the harbour, and very pretty they looked with their snowy-white sails. Owing to the squally weather all were under reefed canvas. Subsequently two handicap races wero got off under the auspices of the Nelson Sailing Club — one for yachts, and the other for open boats. The former was iron by Mr Low's Secret (3mins), which camo in 2mins 30secs ahead of Mr Sorcenelli's Jessio Logan I (scv), Mr Gully's Madge (3mi_s), being I third. In the race for open boats, Mr | Beth waite's Venus (scr) was an easy winner, Captain Cox's Floral (scr) being | second. Mrs and the Misses Fell kindly dispensed afternoon tea in the Yacht Club's shed, but the attendance was not nearly so large as usual.