Harmony prevailed visitors receiving every attention

Regatta Regular: This year the wondrous John Logan cutter Waitangi will grace the Mahurangi Regatta on canvas, as well as under a press of canvas. artist Paul Deacon

In regattas past, Scott Homestead would sit locked and mostly unused.

The kitchen was pressed into service, preparing salads for the evening’s venison burgers, but otherwise visitors were unable to to see inside.

Last regatta, Paul Deacon held an exhibition of his marine art there. Pieces he donated, for auction at the prize-giving, made a substantial contribution to paying for the cost of the regatta dance.

Visitors were voluble expressing their appreciation Jilly and Paul Deacon that the exhibition had also allowed them to explore the homestead.

This year the Mahurangi and Marine Art Exhibition includes local works, including by Valerie Pendred. Valerie’s prints will be auctioned to support the Jane Gifford.

Paul has also donated another work to help with the regatta dance costs. It is framed oil on canvas: Waitangi. And while it would be another three decades before Robert Logan designed the cutter, she makes an irresistible illustration for this account of the 1863 Mahurangi Regatta and Scotts Landing hospitality.

Mahurangi Regatta

Daily Southern Cross, 7 January 1863

The Mahurangi regatta came off on the 1st instant.

The day was delightful for spectators, but very unfavourable for sailing, as there was scarcely a breath of wind. There was a numerous attendance of the residents of Mahurangi and Matakana, and several visitors from more distant places.

The principal event of the day was the race between the following coasters: Antelope, Vision, Three Sisters and Clyde, which was won by Mr McGechier’s cutter Antelope; the Vision coming in second. The Three Sisters’ grounding at an early hour in the day prevented her taking as prominent a part a part in the race as she otherwise no doubt would. The first boat carried off a prize of £9; the second, £3.

The second race was for boats not exceeding 21 feet in the keel. This was a well-contested race, won by Mr Scott’s Alert. Second, the Monkey; the Undine making a bad third. The first boat carried off a prize of £6; the second, £2.

The principal rowing match was for flat-bottomed boats, of not less than two feet, three inches wide; Mr Clare, in the Spider, winning with ease; Mr McBrearty, in the Red Jacket, coming in second, after a close struggle with Mr J McGechier. The first boat received £5; the second, £2.

The next race was a sculling match for lads under 17 years of age. This was a well-contested, neck-and-neck race; William Sullivan being proclaimed the winner; Daniel Sullivan, second. First prize, £2; second, £1.

The last race on the list was for boys. William McGechier, first; Thomas Boyle, second; John William, third. First prize, £1; second, 10s.; third, 5s.

A duck hunt and several private matches followed. Mr Hatfield kindly lent the use of his schooner as flag-ship, for the day, over the poop of which a substantial awning was spread, covering the working committee from the sun’s rays. Mr Hatfield also discharged the duties of umpire in the most efficient manner, giving complete satisfaction to all parties.

Mr Scott, the proprietor of the Mahurangi Hotel, deserves much credit for the very efficient manner everything was conducted in his establishment, where the greatest order and harmony prevailed, and where visitors received every attention.