Ducks away
Sunday 18th April dawned fine but cold and with no wind, whereas on Saturday it blew heaps. The day started with a new event, stand up paddleboarding, with the boards and kayaks kindly supplied by Ōmokoroa Kayaks.
The course was set up in front of the Club deck and the Esplanade.
In the men's event, we had seven entries. With a splash and a dash, they were away.
The winner was Riley Birks, 2nd Andrew Birks, 3rd Chris Moon, 4th Jake Somersall-Weekes, 5th Craig MacDonald, 6th Kim Wood and 7th Georgy Ignoter.
Then the ladies had their turn with five starters. They were much smoother and they handled the course well, finishing in style. 1st Andrea Willoughby, 2nd Charlotte King, 3rd Leanne Wood, 4th Nikki MacDonald, 5th Louise Turner.
The next event was kayaks for which all divisions were occupied.
In the men's event, there were seven signed in and again it was all on.
At the line Riley Birks was first, 2nd equal were Georgy Ignoter and Jake Somersall-Weekes, 4th Chris Moon, then Andrew Birks, Kim Wood and Mike Yep finished in a bunch.
Six ladies raced in kayaks and the girls showed the same flair as the paddle boarders. Robbie Banks took the inside running finishing first, just ahead of Peta Birks in 2nd, 3rd was Leanne Wood, 4th Louise Turner, 5th Andrea Willoughby and 6th Pip Hall.
Junior kayaks saw two young entries and a shortened course was set up.
The winner was Hunter Burnett and 2nd Michael Ignoter.
The ladies rowing came next and with three entries.
After a close-fought race, Robbie Banks was 1st, Charlotte King 2nd and Louise Turner 3rd. Robbie retains the Rowing Shield as upper harbour champion.
Five contestants entered the men's rowing, some had already given battle on paddleboard or kayak. First, and upper harbour champion, was Chris Moon, 2nd former champion Hugh Reynolds, 3rd Riley Birks, 4th Andrew Birks and 5th John Budden.
At midday, we held the main event: the 11th Annual Duck Race.
With an excellent release from R I B Tod Stocker, the wind and tide took over and the flock was drifting en masse. A breakaway group crossed the line and were recovered.
The winner was #66 sponsored by Ross, 2nd was #155 Sarah Daly, 3rd #103 Sheila Rolfe, 4th #67 Debbie Woodfield and 5th was #35 Nikoo and Maeve.
Well done to you all. The prizes are available from Fee at the Boat Club.
Special thanks to the duck sellers, rescue boat crews and support staff. This was one of the best events we’ve ever held. Thank you all.