THE AUCKLAND REGATTA

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 256, 31 January 1881, Page 2

THE AUCKLAND REGATTA

One of the Boats Swamped. [By Telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. The Champion Four-oared Outrigger Race, postponed from last Saturday, took place this morning, under fair conditions. The course was three miles straight, and the prize LIOO and accompanying trophies. The competing crews were those of the Thanies, Mercury, of Mercury Bay, and the Auckland; represented the city. A start was made at 10.20 beyond the coal steamer. The Mercury crew at once asturned the lead, and with a regular^ahd ; powerful stroke and good reach, icame right away from the others, who pujlled more directly toward? the wharf. , After a brief struggle between the ; second and third boats the Thames dropped slightly to rear, while the Mercury went pn in.creasing the lead. They made a mistake of keeping too far in the channel, and consequently had a heavy rip to contend

against. Each splash of their oars washed a volume of spray over their heads, and at : times the boat was almost hidden from; view. When off Stokes’ Point the Mercury Bay crew was leading fully Half a mile, and then suddenly the boat filled and went down, while the crew supported themselves as best they could in the water. The steamer which accompanied the race went off to their assistance. The Auckland and Thames crew meanwhile kept steadily on, the former, when passing the coal hulk, having a clean lead of 40secs. The Thames put on a spurt, and, by dint of better rowing, lessened the disparity somewhat, but not sufficient to alter the result. Auckland finished a good first. .General regret is expressed for the mishap which befell the Mercury Bay boat, and if the race is not rowed over again a challenge will probably be the result. The spectators numbered about 3,500.