AUCKLAND REGATTA.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume I, Issue 25, 17 January 1891, Page 5

AUCKLAND REGATTA.

The sport on Regatta Day promises to be very interesting, as the Committee has spared no pains in trying to make it a success, and all that is now required are numerous entries and a good attendance. The Union Steam Ship Company have placed the Te Anau at the Committee’s disposal as a flag ship, and she will take a trip towards Tiri after the last race, returning to the wharf in good time. The scow race should prove interesting, as there are a great number of this class of vessel in the harbour at the present time, and there is not much expense in getting them ready, as the condition states that they must start in ordinary trim. The cutter race in former years used to be of great interest, but of late years it has rather fallen off, owing to certain wealthy owners going to great expense in getting new gear, etc., which the poorer ones could not afford to do. The Committee this year have wisely passed a resolution that all cutters must start in ordinary trim with the usual working canvass and false keels, no kites or extra ballast allowed. This regulation should produce a numerous entry, as when it entails no extra expense many owners will enter even for the fun of the thing, as they may as well have a sail as remain at anchor. The second and third-class yacht races will be one of the sights and most exciting contests of the day, as a great number of them are new boats, and are untried. It is also expected that some of the southern yachts competing at the Wellington Regatta on January 22, will come up and compete in the second-class race. The Whaleboat Race should result in a close contest .between the Waitemata, Thames, Onehunga, and Waitara crews, as they are all good ones and are in strict training. The Naval Cutter Race will in all probability fall through owing to the difference, it is said, in the build of the boats; but the Club Whaleboat Race will bring out a good many competitors, and prove an exciting race, thus making up for the Cutters. As the Te Anau has four life rafts on board, some good fun should be had in the go-as-you-please contest, as they are to be manned by the ship’s crew. The public will be well looked after in the flagship, as the catering is in the hands of the ship’s officers, who undertake it all, and an excellent band will be provided. In conclusion, it is worthy of notice that one of the members of the present Committee, Mr. G. S. Graham, is one of the founders of the Auckland Regatta as far back as 1850.