AQUATICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 853, 12 July 1906, Page 10

AQUATICS.

(By “The Reefer.”)

The splendid cruising yacht Valhalla, the only ship-rigged yacht in the world, is in the sale list. It is said that the Earl of Crawford is going in for an even larger vessel. * * * * The Waitemata Boating Club intends holding a ball to-morrow evening at the Choral Hall, this being a sort of wind-up for the season, and a return to the ladies for the good work they have done for the club. * * * * Particulars should shortly be to hand of the ocean race from San Francisco to Honolulu. This was to have started on May 19, but no doubt would be delayed on account of the big fires. As, however, two yachts from Honolulu had made the long voyage to ’Frisco in order to compete, and the Anemone had come round from the East, while the schooner Lurline was ready to sail, there should not have been much delay. *** ' * Another long ocean race was the one from New York to Bermuda, for which the Gauntlet, Tamerlane, Lila, and Bonnie Kate were entered, while a member of the Royal Bermuda Y.C. had offered a prize of 500 dollars for a race back to New York. * * » * This week the New Rochelle Y.C. have a 400-mile ocean race for the beautiful Lipton Cup. It is a good sign to note that ocean races are becoming very popular, as they lead to a study of seamanship and navigation rather than of mere racing skill, while a more handsome type of cruiser is sure to be the outcome. * * * * In America the much-talked-of Ger-man-American match promises to be the event of the year. When the last mail left no less than eighteen yachts had been ordered for it, and more are promised. * * * * A few meagre particulars have been cabled out concerning the famous Henley Regatta. The much-coveted Diamond Sculls were won by R. T. Blackstaff, of the Vesta R.C., who got second to the Sydney sculler Kelly last year. The Tasmanian, Harrison Bourke, won a heat against Guy Rixon, but was then beaten by Blackstaffe. Roy Adam, of Melbourne, beat West, of Philadelphia, in a heat, but was then defeated by D. C. Stuart, of Trinity Hall. * * * * The Ros Marine, a steam yacht of 214 tons, belonging to Mr. Harold W. S. Gray, has returned to Southampton after a prolonged search for the plate, jewels, and bullion supposed to have been buried by pirates on Cocos Island. The Ros Marine made a voyage of eighteen months, but despite an exhaustive search, the result of the expedition was as profitless as the many which have preceded it.

For the first time in the history of the race the Grand Challenge Cup has been won by a foreign crew over eight from the Ghent R.C. of Belgium, beating the Trinity eight in the final. The Toronto Argonauts, from whom great things had been expected in Canada, were beaten in the semi-final by Trinity. The Belgian Club has made an effort before now to capture the cup, and are deserving of every credit for their fine rowing. * * * * The N.Z. Rowing Association has dismissed the appeal by the Waitemata and North Shore Rowing Clubs against a resolution carried at the last annual meeting of the Auckland R.A. The two clubs’ mentioned appeal was against the action of the A.R.A. in amending the constitution through an amendment moved on a notice of motion, but the council held that the correct form of procedure had been followed. * * * * It is reported that Sir Thomas Lipton's fine yacht Erin is to be sent round the Horn to San Francisco, where her owner will join and cruise to Honolulu, Japan, and thence Home. * * * * The King of Norway is the latest member of the most exclusive club in the world, the Royal Yacht Squadron.