Rowing enthusiasts enjoy Great Race
It makes everyone think about going to university overseas, you know, it plants that seed.
Hundreds of people lined the banks of the Waikato River for the annual Gallagher Great Race and punters were left singing the praises of racers and organisers of the event.
The rowing competition is a chance to see top international university teams compete against each other and it’s been a popular sporting attraction for rowing enthusiasts since its inception in 2002.
At the finish line, near Victoria Bridge on Sunday, many set up picnic blankets and foldable chairs to watch the races unfold.
Teenage boys were milling around with their healthy smoothies, they looked affluent, a quick check at the coat of arms on their blazers confirmed that they are from Auckland Grammar School.
They were a nice bunch of lads who had taken note of the technique used by those racing.
‘‘They are top class and give us something to aspire too,’’ Garrick Donald said.
Damien Gleye, another Auckland Grammar School boy, said the race gives students an opportunity to look into university options overseas, particularly Cambridge University in England and Harvard University in the US.
‘‘It makes everyone think about going to university overseas, you know, it plants that seed,’’ Gleye said. ‘‘I’m thinking about it.’’
Some of the Auckland Grammar School boys have received acceptance letters from Harvard University.
Others watching the race have ambitions of being the best in the rowing world.
Jasmine Oliver, a keen rower from Hillcrest High School, kept a close eye on the rowers’ technique as well.
‘‘The technical side of rowing is on full display. It makes it more exciting to watch.’’
Sydney and Melbourne universities were defeated by the Waikato University women’s eight.
In the men’s eight, Harvard University had a convincing win, with England’s Cambridge University pipping Waikato University for second place. Waikato rowing supporter Amy Mills, said the team gave it their best shot and despite the loss, she still enjoyed the day. ‘‘It’s such a cool atmosphere, and great that we have an event like this in our own country,’’ Mills said.
‘‘The men’s race finish was exciting, everyone jumping to their feet. It’s great to see.’’
Lesley Satherley also shared the same sentiments.
Satherley has been going to the Great Race since 2002, and said this year was another sterling event.
‘‘It’s also a good social event to catch up with old friends.’’
The Great Race, follows a three-boat format over an upstream 3.85km stretch of the Waikato River.
The university female crews compete for the Bryan Gould Cup, while the male crews compete for the coveted Harry Mahon Memorial Trophy.