ANNUAL REGATTAS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22617, 4 January 1937, Page 13

ANNUAL REGATTAS

EVENTS AT MARAETAI BIG PROGRAMME DECIDED AQUATIC AND SHORE RACES Brilliant sunshine, a full tide, and idon 1 conditions generally prevailed for the fourth annual regatta staged by the Maraetai Improvement Association and there was a large attendance. Captain .1. McKinnon's scow Bahiri was flagship, and, gaily bedecked with bunting, she lay off the wharf and provided the starting and finishing line for the various races. The officials were; Haiidicapper and timekeeper, Mr. A. Gouldrev; judges, Messrs. \\ . Glare, sen., and NY. Glare, jun. The bad weather of the previous days delayed many boats, which had been sheltering, and the, postponement of the Cowes Bay regatta from the previous day until Easter Saturday necessitated the cancelling of the proposed race from Cowes to Maraetai, where the boats consequently arrived in ones and twos. Under the, capable supervision of the honorary secretary, Mr. J. ~\\ ilson, a good programme of swimming, running and novelty events was also got off without undue delay. The use of the public address system kept the public well informed ns to the progress of the various events, both ashore and afloat. The, prizes won during the day were presented at a well attended dance held in the hall, which was erected three years ago at a cost of £IOOO. Reference was made during the evening by several speakers lo the successful efforts which had been made in reducing the liability, which now stood at about X'2oo, and which, it was confidently anticipated, would he cleared off this season. Following are the results: —

AQUATIC EVENTS L and V Class Yachts. —The wind was fresh from the south-west, and the course was laid to give the boats a run to the first mark, a lead to the next mark in the channel, a beat up the harbour, with a close haul to the finish, twice round. Limerick was first away, closely followed by Shamrock, Valkerie and Meteor. These positions were held throughout the first round, and just after passing the flagship, Shamrock, which was quicker with its spinnaker work, took the lead. Yalkerie could not catch the smaller boats, and lost a lot of time by not setting her extra quickly.

The race started at 1h 17s, and the finish was timed: —Shamrock (30s), 2h 17m 58s; Limerick (scr), 2h 50m 18s; A alkerie (scr), 2h 52m I ts; Meteor (2m 30s), 2h 52m s<is. On corrected times the placings were: Shamrock, 1; Limerick, 2; Meteor, 3.

T and Z Class Yachts. —Jem Mac crossed the line first from Tiri, with Robin, Nola B„ Marjcrie 8., Tauhoa, Edna and Caprice bunched. The wind had freshened and the little boats had difficulty in carrying their full spread. Keen sailing was witnessed on the beat up to the mark. Robin weathered the rest of the fleet with the exception of Jem Mac, which had a good lead. Tiri and Marjoric B. had a keen tussle all the way through the second round, and it was not until just betore the finishing line that Tiri established a lead of ss. Jem Mac was handled well by McKinnon, jun.. Captain McKinnon being one of the crew. The race started at 2h 15s, over the same course as the previous one, and the finish was timed: —Jem Mac (scr), 3h 23m Os; Robin (sm), 3h 27m 10s; Tiri (sm), 3h 30m 40s; Marjorie B. (30s), 3h 30m 455; Tauhoa (sm), 3h 3lm 30s; Nola B. (sm), 3h 33m 2(»s; Edna (sm), 3h 30m Is. Caprice retired. The placings on corrected times were: Robin, 1; Jem Mac, 2; Tiri, 3.

Speed-boats.—Greybird was first away, but Tango soon caught and passed her and had a long lead at the turning mark, which she maintained to the finish. Ihe times were: "Tango (scr), 2b 58m 48s; Greybird (lm 455), 3h Om Os. The race started at 2h 55m 455, and on corrected times the placings were: Greybird (W. Kitson), 1; Tango, 2. Dinghy Rates. —Two races were held, an open event and one for boys under 18 years of age. Keen rivalry existed among the various crews, and the boys' race hrought out a dozen starters, while eight were sent away in the open event. The, open race was won by L. Riley, with F. Halloran second, while the boys' race went to J. McKinnon, E. McKinnon being second.

SWIMMING EVENTS IOOYds., open.—J Pollard, 1; J. Rayner,. 2; R. Wallis, 3. Half-mile.—J. rollard, 1; L. Bailey, 2; B. Wallis, 3. Neat Dive.—L. Booker. 1; R. Wallis, 2; E. Murray, 3. Ladies, 50yds.—Miss Bell, I; Miss Swaby, 2; Miss Soiners, 3. 100 Yds., for boys and girls.—J. Rarrett, 1; J. Raynci, 2; Lucy Ronayne, 3. ATHLETIC EVENTS Married Ladies, 50yds.—Mrs. Jones, 1; Mrs. Joseph, 2., Single Ladies, 50yds.—Miss Ashman, 1: Miss Carter, 2. Re'ay Raie, men and ladies.-—Miss Burgovne and Mr. Litherland, 1. Tug-o'-War.—This event created a lot of interest and the yachtsmen's team withstood several challenges, but eventually succumbed to the local team, which was easily defeated Dy the team from the Rahiri, comprising Captain J. McKinnon, W. Clare, sen., W. Clare, jun., B. Brown, D. Geros and T. Tcirney.