9 Nov, Northern Wairoa Boating Club Seagull Race

Followup;

Hi Seagullers...
November 9th I was at Ruawai for the start of the Northern Wairoa Boat Club Seagull Race, the background for this event was it went into recess due to lack of support and the Boating Club is trying to resurrect the event under a different format, Kelly Hansen [Commodore] and a willing band of his committee and supporters were at the ramp to start 6 boats for the 15 mile trip up the river to Dargaville and the finish at the Wairoa Boat Club.

Paul Gilchrist, Bob Hogg, myself, a couple of Seagull Dargavillians who I didnt get a chance to meet and Bayden Curel in his 2 man crewed 5 hp Suzuki powered tinny [WBCC have a section for 5hp powered dinghies also], accompanied by 3 support boats we set off, with Paul Gilchrist leading the way, the Wairoa river is wide and flows upside down with back eddies and river currents similar to the Waikato, until the tide turns then you have still water and eventually tidal assist, the weather was blustery standing an 18in chop, so an open boat such as “Mankamp” shipped a reasonable amount of spray on each hit, much to the concern of the crew who bailed every drop, Max the dog shivered for the whole journey whilst wrapped in my oilskin,.... dont worry about the wet skipper left to brave the elements, dogs rate higher in the pecking order in this house.

Bob Hogg went straight for the lee shore looking for smooth water while I followed Paul point to point not worrying about the possibility of sandbars as you would never see them anyway, while Bayden and the other 2 local boats were slowly left behind, at about the half way mark I noticed I was making ground and closing in on Paul until finally overtaking him, sensing victory we headed to the inside looking for smooth water and current assist, not to be... Paul repaired his problem and got on with the job .. a crew with the right attitude would have abandoned ship along with the dog at this point to lighten the load, but that was not to be, Paul edged by to claim victory.

The reception at Wairoa Boat Club was astounding, pulling into the ramp at the Boat Club we were invited in for homemade scones, choc eclairs, piklets, carrot cake, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks, when all competitors had arrived Commodore Kelly welcomed all.

The Northern Wairoa Boat Club facility is a tribute to its past and present members, located on the bank of the Wairoa River the clubhouse is surrounded by spacious decks leading down to a floating dock, spending the afternoon enjoying a few bevies and talking to members,who were keen to expand and revitalise the event...... 5pm the kitchen opened and the tastiest and best value hamburgers and steaks were available .. tell me where can you get a handle and a bacon egg burger and chips for under $12 00.

After prizegiving I folded the boat up, loaded the non wet crew and the non shivering dog into the truck and set off for home, only to do it all again this time at Waitara this weekend 23rd Nov, where all competitors can all expect “white bait fritters a la Keagan” on arrival... cheers JC