Seagulls to take to the water

SEAGULL ORGANISERS: Petrina Mills and her father Kerwin Bonham are enthusiast about activities on the Northern Wairoa River.

Relevant offers

Dargaville & Districts

Dargaville is abuzz Pontoon idea floated Off to the Outback RWC fever lives on Optimism for field days Glamuzina calls for growth Call to fight licensing test move Family's race against time Andy has the Wright way of storytelling Rev-up over test move

The mighty Northern Wairoa River will be the setting for the inaugural Seagull Outboard Motor Race.

Father and daughter duo Kerwin Bonham and Petrina Mills are organising the event they describe as "a fun day for the boaties".

"The event is based around the famous Annual Waikato River Seagull Race, known also as the longest Seagull race in the world," says Petrina.

If you were wondering, the seagull race is not boats versus seagulls – birds, although seagull – bird – racing as a sport, does exist.

Kerwin Bonham says seagull racing in this case means British Seagull outboard motors on boats.

"It’s known as one of the most reliable motors in the world and although they’re made in Britain, they are particularly popular here in New Zealand."

There are four divisions in the race. The first is for those with a 2.5 horse power motor, second is the 4.5hp division, third is the modified outboard division and lastly, the modern outboard division of up to 10hp.

Kerwin says safety for each division is paramount and organisers will be ensuring boaties follow the maritime rules.

"Each division will have its own rescue boat so that if anyone breaks down, they will be looked after," Kerwin says.

He says there will also be a separate boat carrying two nurses and first aid supplies if anything happens.

Petrina tried out a 2.5hp Seagull engine and says the length of the course took her six hours to complete.

"The total length of the course from the starting point at the Boating Club in Dargaville to the finish line at the Tangiteroria Bridge is 50kms, she says.

Boaties will leave the boating club and travel up with the river arriving at the finish line at high tide.

A prize-giving ceremony is planned at the Tangateroria Sports Complex with great prizes donated by local businesses, there is free camping on the grounds and the complex has a restaurant and bar facilities to rest and unwind after the event, she says.

Kerwin and Petrina say any money made from the event will help pay for set up costs for this year’s event. And if there is any money left over it will be put towards next year’s event.

- © Fairfax NZ News