A light southerly breeze blow on Saturday when the Port Nicholson Yacht Club got off the second heat of the first and second handh cap races. The water was smooth. The tana, with a start of 18min, was awarded the first-class race on time allowance from the Waitangi, per. The following started for the second-class race:—Rona, set; tAtalanta, 4min; Mnpu, 7oiin ; Mahina, 9min ; *and the Waiwotu, 20nin. Tho finishing times were:—Mapu, shrs llmiu 30seo ; Kona, 6hrs 2Gmin 15sec ; Mahina, shra 18m?n ISsoe : Ata lanta, shra 30min SOseo ; Waiwetu, shra2Grain lOseo. The Waiwetu won on time allowance, the Mapu being second, aud the third. Air J. B. Speed acted as starter and judge. The handicapper was Air F. Bisa. Jn the First-class Handicap tho Waitangi claims the race, which on Saturday was awarded by the timekeeper to the Maritana. Tho Waitangi was giving tho latter 18min, and the official announced that she lost by 30seo The watches on board tho Waitangi allowed a win by 3min, and independent watches on the wharf gave-it2min. Therefore a protest• Has been entered by the owners ofi tho. Wai tangi. Mr F. L. Biss has declared the following handicaps for next Saturday’s yacht races ; Firiit clasa—Waitangi, scr ; Maritana, 16min. Second-class—Rona, scr; Mapu, smin; Ata lanta, 7miu; Mahina, ; 9mm ; Waiwetu, 15min; Jennie Keid. 20min. Yachtsmen arc looking forward to this race with a great deal of interest, as it will be the first occasion upon which the start is. to Be made in order of the handicap, instead of all tho boats start ing together, as has been the practice in the past. The Port Nicholson Yacht Club’s races will bo run under- the “ Mark Foy ” tithe systerii for the first time on the 19th iust,, when several handicap races will bs sailed. The Star Boating Club has decided to send crews to tho Nelson Regatta, to be held on Boxing Day.
