KEY POINTS:
Those lucky enough to be in the Waihi Beach, Bowentown or Athenree areas next weekend should possibly be planning to spend their Sunday afternoon watching others get into and out of bathtubs.
Next Sunday will see the eighth running of the Owens Flooring Annual Bowentown Bathtub Regatta. It does not attract the crowds or the fleets of competitors of the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, but it does garner a good following of locals and visitors.
This year, the event is being held in the late afternoon to accommodate the tide (those familiar with the Bowentown area will appreciate that when it comes to staging events such as this, tide in is good, tide out is somewhat less than satisfactory).
Run by and staged at the Bowentown Boating and Sportfishing Club in Pio Rd, this year's bathtub regatta will be held in six divisions.
The first of three rowing or paddling races is for those 14 years of age or younger and will be staged at the start of the regatta.
This will be followed by a rowing or paddling race for males over 15, then by one for females over 15.
Then come the motorised divisions with an open race (for males and females) where the maximum is 5hp. Then a female-only race, again with a maximum of 5hp, will be held.
The final and flagship event is the Motorised Open Race (again for both sexes), with a maximum of 8hp.
These are the rules: all the bathtubs must have been commercially manufactured and remain a domestic bath (although "attachments" are allowed).
Part of the bottom original bathtub must also remain in the water at all times (to eliminate hydrofoil-type designs or baths on skis). No towing is allowed, nor are sails.
Outriggers are allowed, but these must be homemade, and no kayaks or canoes are permitted.
Lifejackets must be worn at all times. Those caught cheating will have their plug pulled.
Those without a suitable bath can get one from the organisers for a small donation and the entry fee is $10. All proceeds from the day go to the local Bosom Buddies charity.
The event begins at 4pm and all races will begin in front of the Bowentown club from a dead start. Contestants will then follow a course around specially set buoys before returning to finish outside the club.
For more information, contact Ross Sutcliffe on (07) 863 4428 or Bill Owens on 027 497 0913.
