Ask OBC ex-Commodore, Mike Hurley about flipping a tub in last year’s OBC Tub Race at Herald Island.  Apart from a bruised ego, Mike walked (swam) away unscathed.  His outboard motor however, wasn’t so lucky ….

Fortunately it was the only serious incident of the day.

In November 2015, the Racers arrived at Christmas Beach early and put the tubs to trial before the 10am start time.  The weather was brisk this particular Spring day.  It didn’t stop the many spectators turning up to watch the amusing races though.

Each Tub, could race up to 4 times.  First up the juniors were off the block, followed by the Ladies then the Men.  The Racers followed the safety boat to the first buoy and off they went four times around the course to finish.   There was lots of fun, laughter and tense moments had by the spectators as the tubs raced and bounced around the course. 

The last race of the morning was a Cross Country course, where the Tubber’s raced down to the Riverhead Tavern and back.  The crowed watched a spectacular photo-finish between Tub No. 8 and 4.  No. 8 was pipped at the post by a couple of centimetres. 

The prize giving followed at the Riverhead Tavern.  There, participants and spectators could order lunch and enjoy the jazz band from 2pm.

This year’s race has permit for the Riverhead, below the Tavern.  All the Racers are back and the OBC have opened the invitation to the public.  If you are FREE to race on Sunday 20 November between 9am – midday and would like to build a tub, please contact Erin on [email protected] or 09 522 0774 ext 7 for information on the rules and how to apply.  The OBC may still have a spare second hand tub for you to get started. 

And hey … if you don’t want to race, you’re more than welcome to come watch the action from the banks of the Tavern!