THE REGATTA.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVX, Issue 3034, 22 January 1897, Page 3

THE REGATTA.

Given fino weather and a fair broczo the annual regatta of the Port Nicholson Yacht Club should bo as successful as over. The entries for the various races are good, and some interesting sailing should bo the result. The Mawhera will follow the races, leaving the wharf at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The inclusion of the Lyttelton yacht Pastime in the First-class Yacht Race will lend additional interest to that contest. Since she was last in Wellington alterations have been made to her which have resulted in an increase of speed, and if the breeze is not too hard she should make things lively for the other competitors—the Ngaira and Waitangi, both of which, being bigger boats, will bavo to give her a time-allowance. It the wind is light, the Pastime is almost bound to win, bat should there bo a stiff breeze and a big sea the first prize should bo carried off by the Waitangi. In the Second-class Yacht Race there are to be five competitors, and, as the Atalauta and Rona appear to be in better* trim than the others, one of them may furnish the winner. If the weather is heavy the Rona will probably win, but if there is a light breeze the Atalauta will have the best chance. The Handicap Yacht Race should also be a good contest. More lead has been put on the Jennie Reid’s keel and she has boon sailing very well since. Her owner, Mr J. Black, is confident she will acquit herself very creditably if there is anything like a blow on, as her power will teU in a seaway. The Onapnn, a pretty little boat which was partly built in the Marlborough Sounds, will bo a competitor in this race. The Pet, which has still a good turn of speed, will also he in this evont, and has a fair chance of winning. Nothing should be able to come near the Greyhound in the Third-class Yacht Race if a stiff breeze is blowing, but if the water is smooth she will have to give way to either the Mnhaki, Vixen or ths May at the finish. Tho tickets for the regatta will also admit to the Wellington Amateur Swimming Club’s sports, which are to bo held at the Queen’s Wharf. The Swimming Club is to receive 25 per cent, of the regatta takings. . The committee of tho rowing regatta to ho held on Saturday has boon granted the use of the topedo boat for tho purpose of following the races. If tho regatta is to bo held at Petone a red ensign will bo flown from the tower of the Post Office. In addition to the entries wo gave tho other day tho Wanganui Rowing Club has entered crews for the Maiden Double Sculls, Maiden Pours, Junior Poublo Scuds and Junior Pours,