Yachting.

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 17, 27 October 1900, Page 13

Yachting.

The yachting season will open next month, and there are indications of a very successful revival in the sport. . It will be welcome news to yachtsmen to hear the Maritana is going into racing commission again, and. will make matters lively in the first-class handicap matches. There is also a rumour of another addition to the second-class yachts, a newly-elected officer of the P.N.Y.C. being named as the likely owner. The smart-looking Eogue arrived last week from Auckland, and will probably give a good accouut of herself in the secoud class. The Mawhiti will be placed in racing trim again, and the remodelled Waiwetu will also try her hick once more. It is uncertain whether the Atalanta will be in commission this year. Mr Schwartz has, not had the 'best of health lately, and it is probable that his medical advibeis will not allow him to follow up his favourite pabthne. The Waitangi will not be commissioned until the end ot December, and on leaving her winter quarters will proceed to Lvtteltou to try conclusions with New Zealand's ci aek yachts at the Champion Regatta, to be held on New Year's Day. The Anniversary Day Eegatta this year in Wellington promises to be a revival of the good old yachting days. The Port Nicholson Yacht Club intend to offer strong inducements in the way of prize money to visiting yachts. The interesting racing of the half -raters is one of the leading features of local yachting. The " one-design " classes of the British clubs could not furnish closer tinibhes and more unexpected results than these smart little craft have done during the past few seasons. Last year the Dauntless won the majority of the events. The Miru and Raven also accounted for a good number of wins. The latter boat was heavily handicapped by not having a regular crew, this being clearly demonstrated by her performance in winning the Highet Challenge Cup, at the latter end of the season, with her former season's crew in charge. The percentage of the halfraters last year, for matches finished, are as follows :— Dauntless, -72 ; Rum, -52 ; Mira, '48 ; Arawa, -34. At the Arawa Sailing Club's smoke concert, on Saturday night next, there will be -presented several handsome trophies, and the cash prizes are also numerous, twenty-three separate boats participating in the prize-money won last season.

Cricket will be got going on Saturday, but, owing to the wet grounds, players have not been able to indulge in much practice, and good play cannot be expected. The Old Boys meet Wellington on No. 1, and Midland— Phoenix on No. 2. By not fixing date* to these matches, it would appear that the committee intended to follow the same course as last year, viz., playing the matches to a finish. This is as it should be.