SPEED BOAT RACING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19880, 6 March 1939, Page 7

SPEED BOAT RACING

FIRST GISBORNE REGATTA

VISITING BOATS COMPETE

Gisborne's first speed boat regatta was held this afternoon, attracting a large crowd to the diversion cut end of the Waikanae Beach, where the racing took place over a five-mile course.

Much interest was aroused, particularly as a number of prominent boats from other centres were entered for many of the events,' and as some of these boats were capable of speeds of 45 to 50 miles an hour some thrilling racing was expected. Most of the boats competing were of the outboard type, small cra#t capable of a great turn of speed, while some launches,, also, were among the entries;

For some time before the racing started, the spectators were kept entertained by the preliminary runs by some of the competitors, which showed something of their speed and handling ability at the turns. The water was ideal for the purpose, little swell coming from the open sea into the cut, where the racing was held. ' The regatta was officially opened by the Deputy-Mayor, Mr. J. H. Hall, in the absence of the Mayor Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P.