AQUATICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 721, 31 December 1903, Page 13

AQUATICS.

(By

"The Reefer.

The King, according to latest English files, has presented the Club Nautique de Nice with a cup to be sailed for in 1904 under the following conditions, in accordance with the wish of the donor 1. The race shall be termed the King Edward All. Mediterranean Cup. 2. The course will be from Gibraltar to Nice. 3. The race to be open to yachts of every nationality. 4. The race shall not take place if less than five yachts are present at the start. In a letter to the chairman of the Club Nautique de Nice, the Hon. Commander Seymour Fortescue expresses a strong hope that the race will be successful, and will revive the interest of the Mediterranean Regatta.

Nearly the whole of the Auckland fleet has been away for the holidays, the moorings presenting a very deserted appearance. For once in a way the weather has proved all that could be desired, and the Christmas cruise will be remembered as an extremely enjoyable one. Brilliant sunshine and a light southerly wind make the Hauraki Gulf the place of all others to idle away the holidays on, and accordingly the white wings were much in evidence at the numerous picturesque little bays around Auckland.

Mr J. E. Chinnery has disposed] of the yacht Bona, which is to represent New South Wales in the races next month with the Victorian yacht Sayonara. {Mr Binnie, a member of the Royal Sydney Yacht Sqjiadron, is Bona’s new owner. It is probable that Mr S. M. Dempster will handle Bona in the interstate races. The cutter was built by Charles Bailey, junior, of Auckland. Sayonara has been sailed round from Melbourne by her owner.

The Manukau Yacht Club sailed a race on Christmas afternoon from Onehunga to Cornwallis, there being a nice southwesterly breeze. The race was a very dose one, Myrtle and Ida tying for first place, while Malua, which finished ahead, was third.

Moana left on Thursday evening for a three weeks’ cruise to Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty. White Island is also to be visited.