AQUATICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 929, 26 December 1907, Page 12

AQUATICS.

The big motor cruiser Maroro (Vice-commodore J. Alexander) has sailed for a fortnight’s cruise to the North.

A new launch for the Gisborne Harbour Board was put afloat on Thursday by Mr. C. Bailey. She is a big, high-sided cruiser, which should prove very suitable for the work for which she is intended.

The smart racing cruiser Queenie has been sold to a Parnell owner.

Mr. Le Huguet’s new cutter has been out during the week having a few trial spins. I hear she is fast in light air, but when she lies down to it punches up a big bow wave.

Mr. C. Murdoch, for many years commodore of the Royals, is forming a dinghy club for evening racing. The idea is a capital one and should give rise to some good sport.

Quite a fleet of yachts will be away cruising for the next few days. I have to acknowledge a number of kindly invitations to go, hut the pressman has but few opportunities, even at Christmas, when he has to be always “ on deck.”

It may be of interest to your readers (writes our Wanganui correspondent) to learn that R. Tresidder, who is to row W. Webb for £5OO a-side and the sculling championship of the world on the 20th February next, is expected to arrive in Wanganui within a fortnight. The match is being looked forward to with a great deal of interest, and information received here shows that the interest is not confined to Wanganui. Inquiries have been received from all parts of the Dominion from Intending visitors re accommodation, and it is quite evident that crowds from both North and South will flock here to witness the contest, which will be rowed over practically the same course as the Webb-Stanbury race last Boxing Day,

though the distance will be a bit longer. Reports received from Australia show that Tresidder is in good form, and he and his supporters are confident that Dick will prevail on the eventful day. Naturally a different opinion is held here, but a good race is anticipated. The champion has not done much sculling lately, as he has been a bit below his weight, and has been suffering from boils on the back of his neck. He has not yet settled down to a systematic course of training, but will do so next week. He is at present enjoying a week’s spell in the country, having knocked off work at the pipe works until after his race. From what has been seen of him on the river recently there is little doubt he ought to be in good form on the 20th February. The critics have been very pleased with his rowing, there being a decided improvement in style noticeable attributable to the fact, perhaps, that the champion has been putting into practice some hints given him by Jim Stanbury whilst Webb was in Sydney recently.