AQUATICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13729, 21 April 1908, Page 3

AQUATICS.

AWA-AWAROA REGATTA

RAIN INTERFERES WITH SPORT,

'The initial regatta at Awa-Awaroa Bay. i Waiheko.lsland, promoted principally by the residents of the bay, took place yesterday. The weather in the early morning was threatening, but cleared up again before noon, and it was anticipated that the first regatta of the bay would prove an unqualified success In the early morning, too, about 70 yachts of all descriptions had anchored in the bay, having assembled from all quarters in connection with their EaEtet cruise. The bay then presented a very fine sight, and especially so when most of the white wings were afloat. A , very . strong wind, however, came ur from the east, which compelled the major portion of the craft to leave Awa-Awaroa Bay and seek I shelter. This, with rain which begar to fall soon after lunch, and continued at intervals all the afternoon, somewhat spoiled what would otherwise have been a very successful regatta. Notwithstanding the unfavourable conditions, some fine sport was witnessed. The arrangements were altogether creditable, and if the resident:: persist in their efforts, future regattas should be looked forward to with interest alike by yachtsmen and the public, for it is intended to make the regatta an annual affair. The Northern Steamship Company's steamer Aupouri left town shortly after nine a.m. for ! Awa-Awaroa Bay, with about 7* excursionists.,"while the vessel was used as a flagship at the bay Besides the yacht races, a number .<#. dinghy and other, such, contests were held'for both sexes, and these created a good deal of amusement, for while the ladies proved, themselves adept in the use of the oars, several " fouls" disturbed the monotony. The officials for the da> were: — Starter, timekeeper, and judge of yacht races, Mr. W. H. Oliver (Devonport Yacht Club): starters and handicappers of rowing races, Messrs. J. 11. Watson and W. J. Gordon; lion, secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. .1. Gordon. The results of the events are as follows; — Open Sailing Boat Race, 18ft and under, handicap: The course was from a line between the flagship and wharf, round markboat off Foster's Bay, thence round Three Sisters, and finish across starting-line, keeping the marks on port hand. There were only two starters, Thetis (Ryan), 4m. handicap, . and Mercia (Gordon), scratch. Tne event was started at ten a.m.. both boats getting away nicely. They sailed beautifully all the way, and there was never much separating them. Thetis finished at 11.20 a.m., and Mercia at 11.32. the former winning by Bm. Yacht Race, open handicap, for keel boats: The course was from the flagship, thence round mark off Poster's Bay, thence round mark off Maraetai brick works, thence round Three Sisters, to starting-line; about 10 miles. Thistle, Bcr.: White Heather, 7m.; Mahaki. 11m.; and Viola, 14m. started, all getting away evenly at 11 a.m. The Mahaki soon got a good lead, and was never troubled after, sailing finely. The boats finished: Mahaki, lh. 4m. 305.; White Heather, lb. 4m., and Thistle,- lh. lm. 50s. Viola did not finish. The corrected times placed the boats in~the ordev given. Yacht Race, open handicap, centreboard boats: The course was the same as the previous race. Hilda (scratch), Mystery (lm.), and Seagull (Urn.) effected a good start at 11.20 a.m. The limit boat was never headed. and she won after a good race, Though there was not much between them. Seagull finished, at 12h. 38m. 20*. p.m.. Mystery at 12h. 41m. 275.. and. Hilda at 121 i. 44m. 20s. The*revised times placed the boats, in that order, . * Sculling Dinghy Race Handicap:, W. Oliver, 1; W. W'dte, 2; 8. Spencer, 3. Three competed. Yachts Dinghy Race, for yachtsmen only; B. Yeoland, 1; W, White, 2. Three i competed. Boat Race Handicap, fox Waiheke settlers only (two men and steersman): Foster Bros.. 1; Day and: -\shwin, 2; Gordon and Ryan, 3. Three started. Boat Race Handicap, for two ladies and steersman: Misses L- and A. Gordon, 1; Misses E. and E. Gordon, 2; Mrs. Gordon and' Mrs 1 . Ashwin, 3. . Three started. Yachts' Dinghy Race Handicap, open, for one lady: Miss A. Gordon, 1: Miss L. Gordon, 2; Miss E. Gordon,-3. Three competed. Tli* latter two competitors repeatedly fouled, Boat Race Handicap, for one lady and one gentleman, with steers-man: Mi*? Gordon and Foster, 1; Miss Ashwin and Ashwin, 2; Miss Gordon and Day. 3. Five competed. A. goad raceSeveral events had to be postponed on account of the weather, while the motor launch race was abandoned, only one entry being received.

- AITEMATA BOATING CLUB. The rowing sea,son, so- fur as the Waitemata Boating Club is concerned. was brought to a conclusion Inst. week. The handicap sculling race lor the cup presented by the commodore of the club (Mr. A- M. Myers) drew four entries;, only three facing* the starter. The distance was about one mile, the competitors being: W. West ray (scratch), G. Huddlestone (103.1, and F. Herring: (255.). The latter swamped at the post, but the two others made a good race of it, Buddies ton winning by about two lengths. Huddlestone, the cantai« of the club, will therelore be the initial holder of the cup. SITES FOR SHEDS. Members of the Waitemata and Auckland Clubs will be gratified to learn that there is a prospect of the site difficulty being at last solved satisfactorily' to all concerned, for it appears that sites have been practically granted the clubs, the formal application having now only to com© before the Harbour Board. It is believed the Auckland Club will be provided for near St. Marys Point, and the Wait.c-nv.ita Club* near trie end of the King's Drive, 'and consequently not so far a"; was once believed' would be J. he case from the present- leninornry s-lied. »lie Waitemata Club for gor»>e time has had plans prepared for a thoroughly up-to-date shed in every respect, and if the Harbour Board confirms the selection at its next meeting it is hoped the members vv ill he able to celebrate the opening of their new fJacd at tne inauguration of next season's sport. BEGA AT IXVERCAK ILL. [BY TELEGRAPH.— I'l! 3 3 ASSOCIATION.] IViSiICA KG ILL, Monday. A fresh water regatta was held to-day at the mouth of the Oreti Kiver. abutting on Otatara, a suburb opened to Invercai c in oj a Wellington syndicate, who bought tin, whole area and is disposing ot it in allot ments. The regatta will probably be an annual fixture.