Tawera Rum Barrel Challenge doesn't disappoint

The New Zealand Millennium Cup has a tradition of a skiff regatta; started by Mike and Tracy Mahoney, owners of Tawera. All yachts enter teams and the racing is just as fierce as on the Millennium Cup regatta course - and not even half as skilled. The prize? Twenty litres of Mount Gay Rum in a wooden barrel emblazoned with the regatta’s logo and designed to be used for celebrations during the regatta. 

The Challenge once again didn't disappoint, with crew taking to the wooden skiffs with gusto, enthusiasm - and clumsiness - all in pursuit of a 20 litre barrel of Mount Gay Rum. Sassafras' team A scored extra points for style as the only team to end up with a crewmember rowing the wrong way for some of the course, while Bianca Cook demonstrated her skills are multidisciplinary - looking comfortable from the outset. 

Four teams made it to the finals and, with Russell Beach lined with spectators to cheer them on, they were off on a running start. Dealing to the first leg in record time, things got rocky at the buoy as a clash slowed the Kawil team down. Nothing was slowing the Adele team down though, with her crew team A unstoppable as they stormed towards the rum barrel and the win.

A huge thanks to Mike and Tracy Mahoney for making this possible and their ongoing support of the regatta - we can't wait to see you back next year! ​