REGATTA ARRANGEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18929, 29 January 1925, Page 10

REGATTA ARRANGEMENTS.

MANY INTERESTING RACES. SANDERS CUP COMPETITORS. The Auckland Anniversary Regatta will be held on the Waitemata to-day and, given fine weather, should be a great success. The first "regatta" on the Auckland Harbour was held on September 18, 1840, the day on which Governor Hobson hoisted the British flag on the promjntory, afterwards crowned by Fort ■ Britomart,* On that - occasion the progrkmme'consisted of only three rafees whereas today there are 28 events including speed boats. In 1842 the first anniversary regatta was held and the event was kept up annually until 1850, when it was decided to give systematic character to the celebratioa. The resolve tc» liold an annual regatta has been broken only once. This was in 1800 when the South African War interfered with the arrangements. More than usual interest is being taken in this year's regatta on account of the Sanders Cnp competitors taking part. Two races have been set aside for this class, the Lipton Cup, starting at a quarter to ten, and the Ross Cup, in the afternoon. Another event that :is causing a great deal of interest is the Auckland Anniversary Regatta Championship for speed boats. Nine craft, all credited with a speec. of over 20 knots, are expected to face the starter. The competitors include Miss Virginia (late Pussyfoot) and Green Stripe, of Wanganui, and several new Auckland boats which will be making their first appearance. The entries total 225, which is an allround increase on last year's figures. For several past ■ regattas the Calliope Dock has been used as the headquarters but for to-day's function the order ■ has been changed. With a view of giving the public every opportunity of witnessing the progress of the racing,, the committee' has chartered the new excursion steamer Rangitoto, which will make four trips up and down the harbour during the day. With her spacious decks, which are well protected with awnings, the Rangitoto should make an ideal boat from which to view the racing. Burnnand'si Band will be in attendance and refreshments will b» obtainable. The steamer will leave the end of the Central Wharf, the first trip commencing at 9.30 a.m, AH the races will start and finish off the scow Kitty Fraser, which will be moored off Calliope Dock.