AQUATICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 977, 26 November 1908, Page 11

AQUATICS.

THOROUGHGOOD BEATS WHELCH FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP.

THE AKAROA SCULLER OUTCLASSED.

The sculling race for the championship of Australia and £2OO aside, between Ben Thoroughgood, of Newcastle, and George Whelch, of Akaroa, took place over the Raymond Terrace course on Saturday. It was a contest between a good big man and a good little one, and the result was never in doubt, although Whelch rowed a plucky stern chase. Wet weather prevailed, and the accompanying steamers were far from crowded. The cable states that Whelch won the toss, but Thoroughgood got the better start, and quickly established a lead of half a length, which he increased to two lengths before a quarter of a mile had been covered. Prior to this the Australian crossed into Whelch’s water, rowing ahead and giving him his wash. The pace was slow, Thoroughgood dipping 28 strokes to Whelch’s 32. Nearing the mile, which occupied about six minutes, Whelch spurted, and almost drew level, but Thorughgood responding went away again, leading by two lengths at the mile and a-half, the time being 9m. 50s. Again the New Zealander spurted and cut the lead down to a length.

It was apparent, however, that Thoroughgood, who was still in the New Zealander’s water, both men being close in shore, had his opponent’s measure at this point and again at the two miles and a-half, where Whelch by a fine effort pulled almost level. Thoroughgood easily rowed ahead again, but the New Zealander kept plugging away, and in the last half mile made some fine spurts. The Australian had too much in hand, however, and spurting in the last 100yds from the finish, won by three lengths, in the very slow time of 20m. 355.

The North Shore Club held the opening “At Home” at Cheltenham Beach on Saturday, when there was a very large attendance of spectators. Afternoon tea was provided by a ladies’ committee, and Marriage’s Band played selections of music. . The racing among the fours for President Napier’s trophies was very keen, the final especially so. In this event J. Blakey, L. Bonner, H. Grubb, S. Marshall (stroke) and Gray (cox) just won by a yard from E. Bailey’s four, with Davies’ four a yard further away. A better or more exciting finish it would be difficult to imagine. Mr. Napier was judge and Mr. Madden starter.

Mr. Mackay’s new purchase Ilex is to be launched to-morrow. The cruiser has been put in fine order in very quick time.

Mr. Mackay has, I understand, sold his well-known cutter Rainbow to Messrs. Sykes and Defaur. I hope the famous 38-footer will carry a racing flag during the season.

A variety has just been given to the popular task of swimming across the English Channel by two members' of the Boulogne Rowing Club, MM. Peron and Levy, who recently rowed from Boulogne to Folkstone in an ordinary light double-sculling skiff in nine hours’ time, and next day rowed back, the trip this time, owing to foggy weather, taking ten hours. This feat has two or three times been accomplished by English amateurs singly.

There was a nice sailing breeze for the Victoria Cruising Club’s race on Saturday, and some good times were put up. The handicap was on too liberal a scale to give the scratch boat any chance, but the race brought out a good field, 15 boats facing the starter. The finish was follows: —Emerald, 4h. 22m. lls.;Glady, 4h. 28m. 465.; Encounter, 4h. 37m. 25.; Dorie, 4h. 41m. 155.; Why Not, 4h. 42m. 165.;

Hetty, 4h. 42m. 25.; Rose, 4h. 42m. 465.; Fairy Belle, 4h. 55m. 435.; Avona, sh. Im. 205.; Mamu, sh. 12m. 525. Emerald and Bronzewing fouled the flagship, and the Mira and Roma did not finish. On time allowance the result is as follows:—Avona, 60m., 1; Fairy Belle, 40m.. 2; Encounter, 21m., 3; Rose, 25m. 4. * * * *

The Manukau Yacht Club will commence the season on Saturday. Fourteen boats are entered for the opening race.

Mr. W. A. Reid, a Newcastle solicitor and a keen enthusiast in rowing, arrived from Sydney on Sunday and gave me a look up. He states that the result of the match between Thoroughgood and Welch was looked upon as a foregone conclusion for the former. Also he tells me that all the leading scullers on the other side consider that Arnst is sure to beat Webb for the World’s Championship next month. Mr. Reid intends to witness the race.

It is reported from Sydney that Thelma has been nominated as challenger for the Sayonara up. She is about eighteen years old, and therefore should be beaten by an up-to-date craft Still in anything like a breeze the old boat (one of Walter Reeks’ design) can still slip along, and if there is not tod much windward work might wrest the Cup from the Royal Yacht ,Club of Victoria. On the 14th inst., Thelma started for the Marshall Plate, and with a 3min. handicap beat the crack Awanui by 56secs. Among the competitors were the Logan boats Petrol (third), Rawhiti (retired), and Sunbeam.