AQUATICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12266, 9 May 1903, Page 7

AQUATICS.

Nearly all of the yachts have gone out of commission for the season, and probablynext week will see the whole fleet in winter quarters. Aucklanders will be pleased to learn that Mr. C. Bailey, jun., has been successful in securing the contract for a schooner yacht from a Melbourne gentleman, mentioned in my notes last week. Mr. Bailey returns to Auckland next week, and work on the yacht will be commenced as soon as he arrives. The prizes of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron won during the past season will be presented at the clubrooms on Thursday evening next. It has been decided to hold a social in connection with the presentations, and the "Squadron Committee have invited the officers of the yacht and sailing clubs in and around Auckland to be present on the occasion. Ilex, the. new cruising yacht, built by Messrs. Logan Brothers, to the order of Captain Spencer Stanhope and Mr. R. H. Shakespear, of the Little Barrier, was successfully launched on Thursday afternoon in the presence of a large gathering of ladies and gentlemen. Ilex is a typical cruiser, has plenty of room, is very strongly built, and very beautifully fitted. The yacht was out for a trial spin yesterday, and appeared to travel very well, and it is likely she will have a "go" with one or two of the yachts before she leaves for the Barrier. The owners aro to be congratulated upon having such a fine yacht for their use. Mr. W. J agger has just placed an order with Messrs. Logan Brothers for a new oil launch., which will be on a completely newdesign to any yet built in Auckland. The launch is to be 25ft long, and will be fitted with a four horse-power Union Oil engine, and is expected to be very fast. I understand that the accounts of the last Anniversary Regatta aro now ready for presentation, "and a meeting of the committee will be held next week to pass them. After paying all prizes and accounts in full the very creditable balance of £65 is in hand towards the next regatta. The monthly general meeting of the Ponsonby Cruising Club took place last Thursday evening, when the building of a clubhouse for the convenience of members, was again brought forward for discussion. The plans of a suitable house were laid on the table by Mr. Bottany, which showed a very nice place for the present requirements. Delegates "were appointed to pick a suitable site on the foreshore of Ponsonby, and apply to the Harbour Board for the permission to build on the same. The members are deserving of every praise for taking the necessary steps to provide a long-needed want to the yachtsmen of Ponsonby, and no doubt the action will be strongly supported by all true sportsmen of that district. Lynx.