The sun blazed down on Lake Hayes last Saturday as dozens of boating enthusiasts navigated a course in their Seagull outboard motor-powered dinghies.
The dinghy day was the second annual event of its kind put on by the Queenstown Boatshed Restoration Club.
Commodore Jeff Williams said organisers were thrilled with the day.
‘‘It was a great event and I think everyone really enjoyed the picnic atmosphere.''
He said the same number of Seagull boats raced as last year, but fewer dinghies competed in the rowing races and there was a definite shortage of Wakatipu competitors.
The local Seagull boat owners who did compete faced stiff opposition - in a good-natured sense - from a strong Dunedin contingent.
‘‘The Dunedin boats were very specialised and very high-performing and I would hope that next year more locals take up the challenge and bring their old Seagull motors out and come along and show the Dunedin people how it's done,'' Mr Williams said.
‘‘It is a great opportunity for them to bring them out and give them a run.''
In keeping with the old engine theme, Woozle, the Arrowtown traction engine, was also on display on the day and its power was demonstrated when it was used to haul some of the boat trailers out of the water.
Mr Williams said the dinghy day would be held again next year and the Dunedin boat owners had already promised they would be attending to defend their 2008 successes.
