Rowers Ruined in Racy Rip

Those hardy few who braved the elements on a Saturday morning and travelled by train to Lyttleton and thence to Corsair Bay via launch were doomed to bitter disappointment—and severe colds. The weather was cold and wet and the wind gave sufficient roughness to the sea to prevent rowing. Though all crews were prepared to brave the deep the rowing council were against it and after waiting one and a half hours in the icy cold the rowing was abandoned for the morning.

The crews were to report back at 3.30 to see if the weather had improved. Some travelled sadly back to Christ-church, but others, more hopeful, bad lunch at the local pub and spent the next couple of hours around a blazing fire. Loath to leave the fire they finally dragged themselves away to find the water much calmer and by 3.30 they were able to launch their boats and row the two miles to the start at Corsair Bay. After a long wait the anxious spectators saw them finally move off. CUC No. 1 in position, OU No. 2. AUC No. 3, and VUC on the outside. Although each crew had a tremendous opinion of itself—including Victoria, Otago led the way right from the start, even Canterbury not offering any competition; and Canterbury had to make a final spurt to beat Auckland for second position. Victoria wasn't nearly so far behind as last year. A well-deserved win, Otago!