Plan to smash sandcastle record

SOPHIE SPEER

Last updated 05:00 20/11/2012

KEVIN STENT

Sand men: Martin Baynton, left, of Weta Workshop, and Linc Gasking, of Adventure Wellington, practise making the perfect sandcastle ahead of next weekend's attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record for the number of sandcastles built in an hour.

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Breaking a world record for the number of sandcastles built in an hour is not as simple as slapping some sand in a bucket.

This Sunday, more than 400 people are expected at Lyall Bay to attempt to break the Guinness World Record, which stands at 683 sandcastles and was set in Britain less than two months ago.

Adventure Wellington organiser Linc Gasking said beating the record would be a challenge, but he was confident it would happen.

"It would be exciting to really smash the record. It would be something Wellingtonians could be proud of. It would be lovely to have it stand for quite some time."

Weta Workshop has designed and produced 100 buckets, which have the regulation four turrets and are about 17cm high.

The sandcastles must be built upon mounds of sand about 40cm high, and stand for one hour before judging can begin. Any that collapse in that time are eliminated.

Mr Gasking said the record was hotly contested during the northern hemisphere summer, with one group failing to beat the record by just six sandcastles.

"Apparently it's quite difficult to break.

"Sandcastle building is a very serious business."

Sandcastle builders can work in groups. There would also be areas designated for families and serious competitors.

Among them will be a couple from Arizona and one from London, who won a competition through Air New Zealand to be flown to Wellington to compete.

The record attempt is raising money for the Neonatal Trust. So far, $4500 has been raised through the Air New Zealand competition. Donation buckets will be passed around on the day.

Musician Raashi Malik will perform while the sandcastles are counted and child entertainers The WotWots will be keeping families entertained. Southern Cross will put on a barbecue for entrants.

Prizes will be awarded by Weta Workshop's Sir Richard Taylor and Martin Baynton as well as The Hobbit actress Evangeline Lilly.

THE DETAILS

Head to Lyall Bay Beach this Sunday from 8.30am to noon to get involved in the record attempt. More information at www.adventurewellington.co.nz

Contact Sophie Speer
Email: sophie.speer@dompost.co.nz
Twitter: @sophie_speer

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