Gull of a good time

Sam Brocas, of Oamaru, with his Seagull Sam outfit and form which won him the title of Oamaru...
Sam Brocas, of Oamaru, with his Seagull Sam outfit and form which won him the title of Oamaru Birdman 2012 yesterday. Photos by David Bruce.
Grant Jefcoate, of Alexandra, makes adjustments to one of his two Seagull outboard motors before...
Grant Jefcoate, of Alexandra, makes adjustments to one of his two Seagull outboard motors before competing in the Seagull races at the Oamaru harbour regatta yesterday.

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

 

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