AQUATICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 877, 27 December 1906, Page 11

AQUATICS.

Quite a fleet of motor launches have been put afloat during the week. At Logan Bros.’ Messrs Hewey’s, Banks’, and Keane’s launches have been completed and are in commission. Messrs Fry Bros.’ boat has also been launched.

Bailey and Lowe have launched the 28ft Tawhiri, which has been built to the order of Mr F. Cooper. A 30ft. steam launch for the Northern S.S. Co. has also gone afloat, as has Mr L. Harris’ 30ft. launch, while Mr Bressy’s 18ft launch will be shipped to Raglan forthwith.

Yacht racing in Auckland is not particularly exciting sport, because practically all the races are handicaps, and after all is said and done, handicapping is merely the opinion of one man as to the respective merits of the boats. It has often struck me that it would not be difficult to institute a class of not too big yachts. Something about the type of Queenie would be most suitable, and if such were instituted probably owners would build to it. The Squadron Committee might give the matter consideration.

The Ponsonby Cruising Club held a race to Awaroa Waiheke, on Saturday. The yachts were timed in as follows:— Siola, sb. 38m. 30s. ; Emerald, sb. t im. ; Ngahuru, 511. 43m. 455; Maru, 511. 4~m . 30s; Alva, sh. 51m. ; Cynisca, 6h. * * • * The Manukau Y.C. race on Saturday resulted as follows: —Petrel, 411. im. ; Clematis, 4b. 9m. ; Spray, 411. 12m. ; Mana, 4b. 12m. 15s. ; Hilda, 4b. zzm. 30s; Endeavour, 4b. 13m. 30s. ; Amua, 4h. 15m. ; Ngaroma 4b. 27m.

The smart cutter Rawhiti has gone to Melbourne to race the Sayonaru for the very handsome cup won by the Victorian yacht last year. On that occasion it will be remembered Sayonaru defeated the Bona, and the result of this year’s race will be eagerly awaited. I expect Rawhiti to win easily.