The introduction of the 42 km round Rangitoto Island Takapuna Beach Cup on February 2007 at Takapuna Beach looks set to capitalize on this resurgence of interest in this sphere of the sport.

In a novel approach, the organizers are looking to provide Mahimahis and support boats for all out of area crews. This should hugely increase the appeal to both out of town and indeed international crews.

Details of the race, including Panui, Race Programme and Entry forms have only just been logged on the Waka Ama website but already race organizers confirm the following crews will be competing for the inaugural cup:

Goodyear – NZ’s top performing crew, got 3rd in the Gold Coast Cup, recently won Sugar Loaf and won the 2007 Rarotonga Eiva international race. Goodyear are on a mission and Troy Dolman (Manager) confirmed participation within 2 minutes of learning of the race.

Herberts on Tour – this bunch of young tyros are smarting from being only 4th at Rarotonga and will have a stronger lineup for the Cup. Conan will have his team going all out to win and establish Herberts as a force in NZ.

Phoenix - Gavin Clarke will be looking to have his team back up from the disappointment of having a bad boat in the TahitiNui in October and can be expected to clean up the Masters division

Grizzlies White - The Grizzlies have a new master’s crew. They are very fast and will be looking to spoil Phoenix’s party and end their dominance in the Master Division.

Grizzlies Gold - The National Long Distance SMM Champions, these gnarly old veterans got second in their division and 9th of 64 crews at the 2006 Hamilton Island. They were THE form team in the AROCA 10k series, cleaning up the Open crews on a regular basis. They have another big international campaign planned for 2007 and would dearly love to start the year by winning their own regatta.

Fluffy Slippers - This inappropriately named crew of Tauranga hard-men, just want to put the "slipper" into the Grizzlies and have plans to deal to them in their own backyard before competing in the Raro SMM division in 2007.

Other teams who have expressed strong interest are:

Tui Tonga - On their day, this Open men's team are very hard to beat and manager Owen Pau'u hinted that they may have not one but 2 teams giving the Kiwi's a tune up. Watch out Goodyear, these Tongan boys can paddle!

Waitakere ROC - Bernie Murch spearheads this glamour women’s crew who not only are the AROCA team of the Year but they have won so much gold in 2006,( including the 2006 Raro Women’s race) they will need extra flotation devices).

For further details of entries and other developments for this exiting new regatta check out our website:

www.takapunabeachcup.co.nz