REGATTA IN HONG KONG HARBOR.
It was a merry sight on the 15th of November 1870, when boats of all descriptions were gathered for a race, and nine yachts. The shipping, with which the harbor was well filled, was ordered to change moorings, and make a clear passage for the boats. An Order of Exercise was printed for each of the two days, giving information of the names of the Patrons, Committee, Stewards, Judge, Umpire, Starters. The Band of Her Majesty’s 29th Regiment played, the names of the pieces being duly entered on the handsome programme. Single pair sculling boats, to be competed in by men who have never won a sculling race in China or elsewhere; boats pulled by Non-commissioned officers and men of any Regiment or Corps in Garrison, men of war Gigs, Pair Oars, and two Pair Sculling Boats, House Boats pulled by Chinamen, Gig and Punt Chase, Canoes; all open boats, Chinese excepted; yachts not exceeding fifteen tons measurement; the Chinaman’s Cup, The American Cup, presented by the American Community, The United Service Cup, The Canton Cup, presented by the Canton Regatta Club, made up the attractive programme. Some lady recently arrived is chosen to present the prize to one of the winning competitors, with a little speech prepared for her. The honor fell that year to one of our company. The yacht prize was won by the Naiad, belonging to R. F. Hawke, Esq., an honorable citizen of Hong Kong. A sailing match from Hong Kong to Macao was advertised to come off the same season.