AQUATICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3803, 1 February 1927, Page 52

AQUATICS.

WANGANUI REGATTA. WANGANUI, January 24. Over 6000 people got a thrill at Sandy Hook regatta on Saturday afternoon when Spot 11, which was racing full-out in a handicap event, overturned while rounding a buoy at 30 miles an hour. Spot, an Auckland boat, is a sea sled, blunt of nose and with a flat bottom. The water was choppy at the time and an uncertain wind was blowing up-stream. The buoy was just opposite the punt, and Mr A. Williams, who was driving Spot, took the turn almost at full speed. A sudden gust of wind caught her bottom when she was half round, and in the space of a fewseconds she was floating upside down. Mr Williams and his brother managed to jump clear and reached the shore without injury. It was a thrilling moment for the spectators, and a tense silence was broken with cheers when it was seen that the crew had escaped with only a ducking. While the incident was still fresh in t . minds of the onlookers another thrill was provided. The local speedster Onestep, owned by Mr J. Bull, was just coming up to the buoy for the start of the second lap in the Helean Cup race when flames suddenly burst fjrom her engine. Mr Bull and his companion lost no time in getting into the water, as there was a danger of the petrol tank exploding, and the crowd waited for the crash which it seemed must come. Fleetwing Junior had just started off on the race, but immediately spun round and dashed to the rescue wuth a fire extinguisher. This had little effect, however, and it was not until several tins of water had been dashed over the engine "that the flames were subdued, luckily averting an explosion. As Onestep floated to the bank numbers of young children rushed out towards her. Constable Willetts realised the danger, however, and herded them back to the bank, much to the relief of the anxious parents in the vicinity. Mr A. J. Collins, the owner-driver of Fleetwing Junior, was warmly applauded tor his action in sacrificing his chances m the race to help Onestep, and his win when the race was re-run was very popular. Wanganui has the fastest speedboat in New Zealand, hollowing her race successes on Saturday,. J. and J. was driven over a distance of a mile and a-quarter with practically slack water. The distance was covered in Imin 25sec, equal to a speed of just on 53 miles an hour. There is no record of any boat ever attaining this speed in New Zealand before, though Miss Virginia, driven by Mr A. Hatrick, at Auckland last year covered a measured distance at the rate of 46 miles an hour. In the Helean Cup race on Saturday J. and J. s average was over 46 miles au hour, including a turn at each end. THE SANDERS CUP. SOUTHLAND’S NEW BOAT. q iki January 26. Southland s new boat, Murihiku 11, was gnen a trial at Halfmoon Bay on Tuesday, •nd according to A. B. Moffett (the owner)’ a ..., w e? t " e ; * s exceedingly pleased with the craft and says she will “strip” a tip-top boat for the forthcoming contests °n Lyttelton Harbour. It is the intention of the owner to bring the Murihiku II over froiri the Island next week and give an exhibition sail on the Estuary for the beneht of Invercargill supporters. The boat will then be despatched by rail to Lyttelton. The greatest interest is being manifested here, as it is thought the new boat has a royal chance of annexing the honours this year.

ALLEGED FOULING INCIDENT. CHRISTCHURCH. January 26. After hearinj evidence last night in connection with the alleged fouling incident involving the Betty and Usher in the fourth trial of the Sanders up, Mr Cyrus Williams stated that he was unable to give a decision. “The evidence of the two parties is diametrically opposed,” ho said, “and I can give no decision.” So action will be taken. THE OTAGO CHALLENGER. About £BO will be required to meet the cost of sending Otago’s crews, selected to sail in the Sanders and Cornwell Cup contests,. to Lyttelton early next month. The various boating clubs will subscribe a quota, and it is hoped that the balance will be received in the form of subscriptions. The Ravensbourne Boating Club, recognising its obligations, arranged to hold an entertainment for the purpose of subscribing its quota. This took place on Tuesday evening in the Ravensbourne Town Hall. The hall was filled to capacity, and a very successful concert resulted. Over 400 tickets were sold in the district, exclusive of those disposed of at the doors. The amount realised was well in excess of the guaranteed quota. Boating men from all the other yacht clubs, and also officials of the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Association, attended.

A Wanganui cyclist was proceeding to his home along Taupo quay one evening recently when he rode into a swarm of bees, a number of which alighted on his face and head'. The cyclist kept his presence of mind, and did not attempt to dislodge them. He increased his pace and soon left the swarm behind, but he

was still accompanied by several bees, which crawled about his head. These eventually flew off and rejoined the swarm. The man did not receive a single sting.