Sydney Regatta,

Otago Witness, Issue 1630, 17 February 1883, Page 22

Sydney Regatta,

The following were the principal sculling events at the above regatta last week. CHAMPION RACE, For all comers, in outriggers Course : From flagship round Guat Island, round Fort Denison and back to flagship. First prize, £25; and (if four men start) second prize, £10. Perseverance (E. Trickett) .. ..1 Bessie (E. C. Laycock) . . . . 2 This race created rather a surprise. It was anticipated that it would be close, but the event appeared to prove that Trickett had recovered some of his old form, and that Laycock had fallen away. The start was good. As the pair approached the island Trickett took the lead, while Laycock steered rather badly. Going round the island the positions remained unchanged, but when the rough water was faced, Laycock overhauled his opponent. Tiickett, however, who kept under the lee of the North Shore, and also had the advantage of position, drew away, notwithstanding Laycock's endeavours to overtake him ; and when passing Kirribilli Point he led by about eight lengths. Both men rowed well in the rough water, but Laycock unfortunately got into trouble there, his boat becoming filled. He still laboured on, but without avail, and he was beaten easily. ALL COMERS, In outriggers. For those who have never won in New South Wales a race in outriggers at a public regatta, or a race in outriggers for the championBhip, or for the champion belt. Course : From flagship round Goat Island, round Fort Denison, and back to flagship. First prize, £15 ; second prize, £6. Willra (0. Messenger) „ . . l Manchester (J. Largan), Dapto (W. Beach) also started. Perhaps this was one of the most sensational events that has ever been witnessed in Sydney harbour. The chapter of mishaps commenced by Largan, in rowing to the starting-point, getting his outrigger cut in two by a pullingJboat. On getting another boat and starting he found himself unable to get along satisfactorily, and stopped rowing. Beach and Messenger rowed a slashing race to Goat Island, the latter having slightly the advantage. Coming back along the North Shore Beach passed him, and led by half a length. Messenger, however, spurted, and got on terms again. Along by Kirribilli and up to Fort Denison the water was very rough, both men labouring very hard. On rounding the Fort, Beach appeared to have a slight lead, and here Messenger's boat commenced filling, Beach drawing away. Shortly af terwards Beach's boat sank under him with the force of water he was catching, and after several attempts to bail her out he was obliged to leave. Messenger, however, turned himself round in his boat and hung his legs out each side, his body often covered in waves. In this way he managed, after half-an-hour's plucky trial, to force his boat through the half-mile of water which lay between him and the winningpost. He was loudly cheered on the accomplishment of the feat.