AQUATICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11200, 21 October 1899, Page 7

AQUATICS.

Keon interest has been taken in the contest for the America Cup by local yachtsmen and tho publio generally, but so far as the cable messages toll us, matters are not at all satisfactory. I do not suppose that over suoh a thing has happened in connection with tho contests as has occurred this time, no fewer than seven starts having been made without any conclusive result. The wind appears to have been most unsatisfactory in tho first race that was finished, as it was only blowing a seven-knot breeze, which appears to have suited Columbia, as she was leading by a mile when the mark was rounded, but, the breeze freshening, Shamrock picked up half-a-mile on lior on the run home. The second contest was oven more unsatisfactory, as soon after starting Shamrock's backstay broke, and over went the topmast, leaving Columbia to finish alone. And now we are told that Shamrock has been reballasted, and has to allow Columbia 6s. With only three races to go, it seems hardly possible for Shamrock to carry off tho Cup, but wo can only hope for the best. _ Yachtsmon are all very busy just now getting their yaohts in readiness for launching, and if tho weather is anything like favourable to-day most of thorn will be launched. Viking and Thelma, which have been hauled up at the North Shore during the winter, are now almost ready for launching, and will be got off to-day if possible. It was intended to have launched Ivotiri from Logan Bros.' yards this week, but the weather has not been favourable, and sho will not go off until Monday. Pandora, Mr. Squire's yacht, is having some alterations made to her by Logan Bros.

Judging by the number of visitors at West End's "At Homo" last Saturday, tho western club still maintains its popularity. The Auckland Rowing Club have decided to postpone their "At Homo," which was to have been held next Saturday, and the ladies' nomination fours for Mr. Leo. Myers' set of gold brooches will not be rowod until later in the season. Trial fours will be rowed on Saturday, Novomber 4, for a set of gold medals, presented by Mr. J. Prince, jun., and the captain of the club (Mr. C. R. Gooch). Kindred clubs mustered strongly at West End last Saturday, throe or four crews coming from eaoh of tho clubs on this side of the harbour. All seemed to have a good time, and each club as they loft for homo gave hearty cheers for West End. North Shore Rowing Club hold their first "At Home" of the season this afternoon, and if tho weather is fine a large attendance is anticipated. The Newton Band will play musical selections at intervals, and afternoon fen will be dispensed by the lady friends of tho club. The following crows have been picked to row the trial fours this afternoon:—(l) H. Burgess, P. Burgess, S. Mays, Richardson; (2) F. Best, H. Mann, P. Barley, G. Davis; (3) J. Sullivan, G. Wynyard, T. Macky, F. Cotes; (4) L. Bakewell, S. Cave, A. Collins, W. Macindoe; (5) F. Burgess, G. Cardno, R. Davis, T. Bartley; (6) W. Gerrard, H. McKenzie, J. Garrett, T. Doyle; (7) W. Logan, P. Walsh, L. Nicholson, G. Blandford; (8) W. Oliver, W. Cossar, R. Clark, R. Morgan. Somo great finishes were fought out last Saturday at West End. The final was won by a crew stroked by A. Littleproud, a young oarsman who should shortly be in the front rank, judging by the stylo ho shows. The Parnell Sailing Olub have arranged dates of season's fixtures as follows:—November 11, December 9, January 27, when laces for Patikis, 22-footers, and an open race, all handicaps, will be sailed. Entries will be received on Tuesday, November 7, at the Exchange Hotel, Parnell, between the hours of half-past seven and nine p.m., when the officers of the club will be in attendance. The co-operation of members is requested in conjunction with the committee to ensure the season's success, and 1 a large numbed of new members have joined the club.

I hear that North Shore have lost some good oarsmen, a number of tlijir members having departed from Auckland. Still, I think Captain Swinnorton may be relied cn to make a good show with the "boys in blue" when the time comes.

West End Selection Committee are already looking up likely regatta men, Some of the crews are already selected, I hear, though the rumour lacks confirmation.

Mr. John Chinnery, a well-known and enthusiastic Sydney yachtsman, and for whom 0. Bailey, jun., is building a five-rater, arrived on Sunday night, and will probably remain here until the yacht is finished. The courtesies of the Auokland Yacht Club and the various sailing clubs have been extended to Mr. Chinnery, who will havo every hospitality shown him by the local yachtsmen, and his visit made as pleasant as possible.

Yvonne sailed for Canterbury with her new owner, Mr. Grigg, jun., of Longbeach, on board, on Saturday afternoon last, with a fine south-west breeze, before which the little craft made great strides as she passed down the channel out into the gulf, and out of sight.

O. Bailey, jun,, is pushing on with the new five-rater for Sydney, She has been* all cleaned down, the deck laid, and the various deck fittings are now being nut in. Mr. Chinnery, for whom the yacht is being built, is a pretty constant visitor at the shed, and expresses himself as highly pleased with the appearance of the yacht. Logan Bros, have launched the new two and a-nalf rater which they have just built to the order of a Sydney yachtsman. She is a pretty little craft, and makes a handsomo pioture in the water. She has been named "Aoma," the Maori name for "white cloud." The new craft, which is fitted with a suit of Lapthorne's sails, was out for a spin yesterday afternoon. There was a very strong south-west breeze blowing—in fact, a two-reef, breeze, but the little craft had every stitoh on, and appeared to sail remarkably well, one prominent feature being her stiffness. The builders express themselves as thoroughly satisfied with the manner in whioh the yacht acquitted herself yesterday. The Aoma will be sent to Sydney by the Waihora on Monday next, arid is expected to make her first public, appearance, ! in Port Jackson ..waters .at the regatta on I November 9,' '

Logan Bros, have just commenced work on a new one and a-half rater to the order of an Adelaide yachtsman. St. George's Rowing Club opened the season on Saturdaj last with a procession of boats, and the weather being very fine, therw was a great turn out. The club hold their first "At Home' of the season on Saturday nest, which gives promise of being very successful. The North Shore Sailing Club have arranged the following fixtures for the coming season: —November 9 Opening day in conjunction with the Auckland Yacht Club. December 2, January 6, and February 3: Club races. February 10: Annua) picnic. March 3: General handicap race for the Dunning cup. At Sydney on the 14th inst, the Auck-land-built yachts Laurel and Mercia met once again in a race under the auspices of the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club. A very light breeze was blowing, and victory fell to Hiawatha, the exWest Australian boat, with Quadratic second. The champion one-rater Laurel, was the second to round Shark Island, Quadratio being third, but with only a light air drawing aft, and only a short distance between each of the three leading boats, it was scarcely to be wondered at that Quadratic drew ahead of Laurel.

I have to thank Mr. Bellamy, secretary of the Auckland Yacht Club, for a copy of the programme of this season's fixtures of the olub, which iB very neatly got up, and will prove of service to yachting enthusiasts when the races come off. Ltxx.