Bathubbing Huge Crowd Puller For The Shore

Takapauna, Auckland, New Zealand – 10 November. The inaugural Englefield Bathtub Derby proved to be just the post election tonic Shoresiders were looking for as thousands of families turned out to see an amazing array of racing bathtubs. A fierce easterly at Takapuna Beach and high seas forced an 11th hour relocation of the event from Takapuna Beach Reserve to the Takapuna Boating Club at Bayswater where around 3500 spectators braved gridlock and lengthy walks to get to Bayswater in time for racing.

The atmosphere was one of incredible patience as families made camp on the grass with picnics under sunny skies while event organisers relocated portaloos, and sound equipment from Takapuna. Activities for the children were quick to get set up and made for a great family afternoon’s entertainment. With prime viewing spots all along the reserve, racing got underway and provided plenty of action for spectators. With a few craft making grateful use of Coastguard’s tow power not everyone completed the course, but those who did, did so in grand style with even a few putting in a victory lap for added show.

On water race marshalling was provided by host club Takapuna Boating Club –Bayswater along with overall race marshall, Janet Watkins from Takapuna Boating Club. Unable to get the large inflatables out from Takapuna the race marshalls spent the afternoon in a small dinghy bobbing on the course start / finish line and did the most incredible job of clocking competitors in their creative craft.

With on water patrols provided by charitable recipient and event partner, Coastguard were also doing a brisk trade at their fundraising sausage sizzle with Coastguard’s Don Scandrett reporting a $100 donation for one of the last sausages.

Raceday category winners were:

• Motorised Category: Raoul Lealand from Taupo – (originally from Taranaki) in his seagull pocket rocket was the clear winner completing the 2000 metre course in 10 minutes, 42 seconds.
• Sailing Category: North Shore based Riley Consultants sailing entry skippered by Brett Black completed the 750 metre apex sailing course in an easy 8 minutes 34 seconds.

• Paddle / Pedal: Philip Dickinson of Pakuranga – (originally from Taranaki) took out line honours with his ‘Rub a Dub Tub’ entry completing the 100 metre course in 6 minutes 35 seconds. The 31 year old engineer for Fisher and Paykel Healthcare also took out Most Innovative Design and finally was named the SUPREME RACEDAY WINNER.

Philip’s nursery rhyme inspired design of ‘Rub a Dub Dub, Three Men in a Tub’ was described by design specialist and judge, John Hatrick Smith as being “very clever engineering of a propulsion system – beautifully executed and outstanding attention to detail.”

Philip and a travel companion will travel to Nanaimo in Vancouver, Canada next year as guests of the Loyal Nanimo Bathtub Society to watch the World Bathtub Championships, which are part of a five day marine festival in the region. His travel prize provided by event sponsor Englefield includes return airfares, accommodation and spending money.

Kohler New Zealand (Englefield) managing director, John Bourke told the crowd and competitors that he was overwhelmed at the support for event and Coastguard. Proceeds from the event including entrant fees from competitors totalled $8,500.00 which was handed over to Coastguard Northern Region President, Joe Davis during the closing ceremony at Bayswater.

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