waikato relish chance of revenge
After disposing of their American challengers on Saturday, Waikato University will get the chance for revenge next year with England's Cambridge University confirmed as their opponents for the fifth Great Race.
The Waikato crew, watched by an estimated crowd of more than 15,000, beat Washington University by six boat lengths on the Waikato River on Saturday to win the Harry Mahon Trophy.
Event director Mark Ingle said it was great news that Cambridge's new coach Duncan Holland, a New Zealander, was keen to bring his crew over for next year's Gallagher Great Race. "It's a chance for revenge," he said. "They are the only team we have lost to and it will be nice to avenge that loss."
Cambridge last year became the first overseas crew to win the annual race which began in 2002.
The date of next year's race has not been finalised but it is expected to be in early September, after the world championships.
After Saturday's racing, more than 1500 revellers attended the King Street Great Race Ball at the Wel Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts.
International rowers masked and mingled with guests in a variety of themed rooms, dancing the foxtrot, singing along to a live piano player or grooving to a Freddy Mercury imperson ator.
Ball-goers, dressed in gorgeous gowns, tuxedos and elaborate masks, were greeted by two mechanical diggers decorated with large masks and tulle wraps, "dressed" by Morrinsville fashion designer Annah Stretton. About 140 performers kept the crowd entertained, with wild and wonderful masked actors wandering among the party-goers.
The event, which was spread through seven rooms decorated on the theme "streets of the world", topped a successful day for the organisers, Boat House Events Ltd.
The day began at 10.30am, with a fun run/walk for charity, which saw more than 500 people walk or run 10km to raise money for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. More than $3000 was raised, and more than double the number of people from 2004 showed up, which caused delays with the start.
Organisers say they were overwhelmed by the interest the event generated, from the fun run to the ball, with tickets (which sold for $150 each) selling out more than two weeks ago.