AQUATICS

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 430, 20 October 1898, Page 8

AQUATICS

[By

Muritai.]

Now that the weather has improved, yachtsmen are busy getting their boats ready, but they will have to bustle to be in time for the opening cruise, which has been fixed by the A.Y.O. for November 9. Several of the boats will be put off the slip by Logan Bros, next week. Great sport is anticipated with the small raters this season, and some of them are already flying about the harbour. Logan Bros, have four or five more of this class yet to launch. With the North Shore and Parnell Sailing Clubs there will be races nearly every Saturday. Mr Norton has arrived from Wellington with the two clinker boats which he has built to the order of the St. George’s Rowing Club. Mr Norton has been doing a round of th© Aucklan

yards since his arrival here, and now that the busy season is on he should have had an interesting time. His Excellency the Governor, Lady Ranfurly, and suite intend being present at the Mercer Regatta Most, of 'the Auckland clubs will be represented. It has been decided to row all gig races in clinker outriggers. The races will be held under N.Z.A.R.A. At a committee meeting of the A. YC., held on Friday night, twenty-seven new members were elected. For the opening cruise on Prince of Wales’ Birthday, it was notified that a steamer would be engaged for the use of friends. Messrs D. Carter. T. Henderson, and C. P. Murdoch were elected the sailing [committee. The programme for the season was fixed as follows : November 19 : Races for Classes C and D ; first priqe £5, second prize £2. December 3 : Competition for Mr Bloomfield’s cup; prizes, £2 10s and £2. Race for Patiki class; prizes, £3 and £l. December 19 : Rac” for Mr Jagger’s cup; prizes, £2 10s and £2. Instead of the general handicap, it was decided to have a class handicap, the boats to be placed in four classes, each class to be handicaped separately, the prize being £2 10s for each class. It was decided that four cruises should be arranged during the season, to take place on Saturday. St. George’s Rowing Club intends holding' an “ At Home” and trial fours on Saturday, October 29. A great many invitations have been issued for the affair, which promises to be a great success. . Tha Exhibition swimming carnival takes place on Saturday, December 17, and on December 26

a night gala will be held in the baths. These gatherings and the New Zealand Championships (for which the club is applying) should make matters interesting in swimming quarters.