THE INTERPROVINCIAL REGATTA.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 803, 18 January 1877, Page 3

THE INTERPROVINCIAL REGATTA.

[By Telegraph]

(From a correspondent of the Press.) Nelson, January 17. The Interprovincial Regatta day, contrary to the fears and predictions of many of the would be weather prophets, broke with an almost cloudless sky and a beautifully clear atmosphere. At an early hour the usually peaceful city of Nelson began to assume a busy aspect, and a large number of people were to be seen making their .way in the direction of the port, to witness what promised to be the most successful regatta ever held in Nelson. Throughout the day weather was beautifully fine, though not favorable for the sailing races. Mr Joseph Garraid officiated as starter, and the judges’ duties were effectually performed by com modore Cross and vice-commodore Rich mond. The first event on the programme, for which there were ten entries, had to be postponed on account of the calmness of the morning, next came the

Champion Racing Whaleboat race ; five oars ; five miles; steered with steer-oar ; Ist prize, £SO ; 2nd, £5 ; entrance £2 10s Danger, Grahamstown (A. D. Wilson, rapt naval brigade) I Cutty Sark, Nelson (T R. H. Taylor) ... 2 Thistle (Nelson R. 0.) ... ... ••• 3 Colonist, Nelson (W. Robertson, Appleby

R.C.) * For this race six boats came to the starting point —namely, Cutty Sark (Nelson), Bcho( Wellington), Colonist (Nelson), Danger (Grahamstown). Our Boys (Titnarn), and Thistle (Nelson). A few minutes after eleven o’clock the boats were got into position, the Cutty Bark being nearest the wharf, and the others extending outwards in the order mentioned. A good start was effected, the whole of the boats catching the water together. The Danger soon got a slight lead and was the first to round the buoy, with Thistle a good second, and the Cutty Sark bringing up the rear. After passing the second buoy the ThisCe drew up to the leading boat, and the two rowed in company past the lighthouse. On passing the wharf, and on the completion of the first half of thedistance the boats were racing as follows ; —Danger, first ; Cutty Sark, second; Thistle, third; Colonist, fourth, the other two having dropped out of the race at the pilot station. A good race now took place between the Danger and Cutty Sark, and for some time it was doubtful which would be the winning boat, both crews continuing to pull an excellent long sweeping stroke. The Danger, however, proved to be the better boat, and came in a winner about four lengths ahead of the Cutty, with the Thistle a good third, aud the Colonist last Time—3tmin Sfsecs. For the Sculler race, under 12ft on keel ; distance two miles; Ist prize, £3 ; 2nd, £1 ; the Mystery and Spec came to scratch, but Gilbertson refused to pull against Taylor, the owner of the Spec, which was an infinitely superior boat to the Mystery, and the race fell through. For the Yacht race ; distance twenty miles ; the course to be out seaward ; the time allowed to be according to the rules of the Royal Alfred Yacht Club; Ist prize, £3O, and cup presented by Shaw, Saville, and Co, the Secret, Gannet, aud Claymore started, but on account of the light breeze the race will not be finished till a late hour, and a detailed report cannot bo given till tomorrow. Coasters’ Race ; distance, fifteen miles ; Ist prize, £3O; 2nd boat to save stake; was started immediately after the Yacht race, but the result is not known.

Champion Four oared Gig Race; open to all comers, not outriggers ; distance, three miles, straight course; Ist prize, £SO and silver cup, presented by Commodore Cross; 2nd, £lO. Transit (Wellington R.C,)... ... ... 1 Waimea (Nelson R.C.) 2

Torea (Auckland) 3 Gazelle (Greymouth R. 0.; 4 Eclipse (Wellington Star Club) 0 A capital start was effected, but the Transit soon gained a lead of a couple of lengths, which was maintained till reaching the Wharf, where the Waimea crew put on an excellent spurt, and drew on the leading boat for some little distance, but the Transit again drew away, and won by about three lengths. Time—l6ra 45sec. Volunteer Whaleboat race, five oars, to be steered by steer oar—Distance three miles ; the whole of the crew to belong to one corps. Ist prize, £l2 ; 2nd, £.l. Eclipse (Wellington !*'tar Club) ... 1 Waimea (Nelson Rowing Club) ... 2 Transit (Wellington Rowing Club) ... 3 The Eclipse got away with a slight lead, and was first to round the buoy with the other two well up. After this the Transit gradually dropped astern, but a close race took place between the Eclipse and the Waimea, In rounding the top buoy, however, the Nelson boat was badly steered, and the Eclipse won a good race by about four lengths, the Waimea being second, and Transit a bad third,

For the champion outrigger race which takes place at noon to-morrow, the Wellington boats are the favorites, and should the weather continue favourable, the honor of pulling off the big event is looked upon as a certainty for the Dolly Varden’s crew.