AQUATICS

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 434, 17 November 1898, Page 8

AQUATICS

[By

Muritai.]

The North Shore Rowing Club successfully opened its season on Saturday afternoon last with an “At Home” and trial fours at Cheltenham Beach. A good strong westerly wind was blowing, but this, of course favored the Beach, and the water was. quite smooth. About 300 visitors were present, including a number of crews from the town clubs, and a good fleet of the small sailing boats. The ladies were also present in strong force, and if the same amount of interest is shown by them throughout the season there need be no fear of. the North Shore Club dying out. A plentiful supply of refreshments was provided and dispensed by the ladies. All £he races were rowed in the new clinkers, and there were some very exciting finishes. The prizes were trophies presented by Mr Bolland, and the events were started in splendid style by Mr J. C. Macky (Mayor of Devonport), and Mr W. Buchanan’s decisions in the very close finishes gave every satisfaction. In the first heat A. Mann’s and W. Oliver’s crew rowed a dead heat, the latter making a splendid, though late, spurt at the finish. Later on in the afternoon these two crews rowed off, when after the best race of the day, each boat alternately leading, Oliver’s crew won by about a foot. F. Burgess’s crew beat P. Graham’s by about a length and a half in the second heat; the latter led a good part of the distance but had to succumb to superior staying powers. Then came a contest in which crews stroked by W. Logan and W. Swinnerton took part, and despite a desperate effort made by the latter towards the finish, Logan’s boat led all the way and won by half a length. In the next heat J. Cardno’s crew easily beat P. Gerrard’s crew by nearly four lengths. This finished the first round, and the first of the semi finals was rowed by crews stroked by J. Cardno and H. Burgess; after a desperate race from start to finish, Cardno won on the post by half a length. W. Logan’s crew then tried conclusions with F. Burgess’, the latter winning on the post by about 3ft; Logan’s crew had hard luck in this race, one of them (a novice) losing his seat at the critical moment. The last race of the day was won by Oliver’s crew, who beat Cardno’s by about 4ft. This left two for the final, viz., W. Oliver and E. Burgess, but owing to the lateness of the hour, the race was postponed until Wednesday evening. The Northern Rowing Union had to postpone the opening of its season on Saturday afternoon, owing to the heavy sea that was running in the harbour.

The yachting season appears to be well under way, and the harbour on Sunday afternoon was wearing its usual summer appearance. Quite a large fleet of yachts were beating up, Volunteer looking and sailing particularly well. Mr Pittar’s new 36-footer, Rainbow, was launched by, Logan Bros, last week. She appears to be giving satisfaction to the critics, both as regards appearance and speed, and although double reefed on Sunday to ease her gear she had no difficulty in beating all the boats she met. The New Zealand Rowing Association has decided to hold this season’s championship regatta at Auckland. The Auckland Yacht Club opened the season on Prince of Wales’ Birthday, when a large number of yachts proceeded to Drunken Bay, the crews and their friends having an enjoyable time. Dingy races and other events came off during the day. The newly-formed Parnell Sailing Club held 'its first sail in company on Saturday afternoon. There was good $ number of boats of all shapes and sizes, from the stately 10-rater, Thelma, down to the miniature of the Patiki class.