A battle of epic proportions is taking place on Saturday, November 24, according to spokesperson Joe Blakiston.
All-important regional bragging rights are up for grabs at the first Nelson and Marlborough Corporate 8’s rowing competition, hosted this year by the Blenheim Rowing Club.
The race between Richmond team Johnston Associates South accountants who will be representing Nelson Tasman and PGG Wrightson Real Estate representing Marlborough will be a feature of the school’s regatta.
Spokesperson for Richmond’s Johnston Associates South team, Julian Stilwell, says his team is confident they will deal to the Blenheim crew with a few tricks up their sleeves.
“This is the first time the two sides have merged and it will be an epic grudge match between the corporate teams.”
Joe says, “forget the annual battle for the most sunshine hours between our two regions, something much bigger is on the line on the Wairau River.”
Julian and Joe are both organising the NZPBA power boat national regatta at Lake Rotoiti in February, however, they say there will be no love lost on race day in Marlborough.
“We will have the local knowledge on the Wairau and may chuck out the odd whitebait net to slow them down!” says Joe.
To spice things up both teams have put in $250, with the winning team donating the $500 prize money to junior rowing on the winning side of the Whangamoas.