Oamaru harbour regatta planned

Boats of all shapes, sizes and ages will be included in an Oamaru Harbour regatta being planned by a group of enthusiasts for this month, an event they hope will become a big annual attraction.

The aim is to bring all harbour users together and show what is possible there.

The regatta has grown from the Traditional Boats Day, last held in 2008.

However, the new event aims to broaden its appeal by including all harbour users and activities, co-ordinator Donal Ferguson said recently.

"We are looking at . . . bringing in as many harbour users and water-related users and activities as possible," Mr Ferguson said of the event planned for Sunday, March 14.

Organisers have had a positive response from such diverse organisations as the North Otago Yacht and Power Boat Club, Oamaru Rowing Club and Scott's Own Sea Scouts.

Some of the Port Chalmers Yacht Club's Seagull outboard racers may take part, and Seagull outboard races will form part of the activities.

The yacht club and scouts plan races and support boats, while the rowing club has offered the use of some of its facilities.

The Traditional Boats Day had a Victorian theme, but the new regatta will span from the historic to the modern-day.

It will also include activities such as a sand castle competition, fishing contest and bathing beauty contest.

At this stage, the regatta will be based at Friendly Bay, although that will depend on roadworks at the harbour being carried out in the area by the Waitaki District Council.