The harbour was the place to be in Oamaru for Waitangi Day
yesterday, with two events combining to make for a fun family
day out.
The Port FM Birdman competition from Holmes Wharf and the
Oamaru Harbour boat regatta are usually held on separate
days, but this year it was decided to combine them to provide
more entertainment.
About 600 people watched 14 contestants - more than last year
- throw themselves off Holmes Wharf into the harbour, each
trying to win the Oamaru Birdman 2012 title.
That went to Sam Brocas (Oamaru) with his "Seagull Sam"
outfit. The feathers helped him achieve flight but were shed
when he splashed into the harbour.
He won $300 and the Lachie McLean Memorial Trophy.
Other prizes of $300 each went to Ollie Walmsley (Oamaru) for
the longest splash, Campbell Russell (Oamaru) for the biggest
splash and Linda Bullard (Timaru) for the best dressed.
Between 200 and 300 people were at Friendly Bay for the
Oamaru harbour regatta, an event which has become a regular
on the Waitangi Day programme in Oamaru.
The family day out on the harbour this year for the first
time included a cardboard boat race, which resulted in some
spectacular creations - and some soggy sinkings.
The day started at 9am with registrations for various events,
the old Friendly Bay carnival site coming alive later in the
morning with entertainment, plus food and crafts stalls.
The day started with the official opening of the old signal
hut near the North Otago Yacht and Power Boat Club's
building, before moving to Friendly Bay.
Other events included Seagull outboard racing, yachting,
rowing, sandcastle competitions and a coracle boat
demonstration.
A prizegiving was held at the Friendly Bay boat house in Tyne
St at 4.30pm.
- david.bruce@odt.co.nz
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.