The revival of Maui Dolphin Day this Saturday proved to be a resounding success, drawing in hundreds of community members with the event culminated in the traditional recycled raft race at 3pm. In the spirit of the event, there was a beach clean up following the race with the prize giving capping off the day.
With stalls from Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, Sea Shepard, the Green Party and Department of Conversation there was a lot of talk about concerns around the new government but there was also a lot of fun with performances from The Swabs, Soulti and the Blisters Sisters Ukulele Army.
The raft race itself unfolded under ideal conditions, with gentle winds and calm waters ensuring a smooth sailing experience for all participants. Remarkably, there were no reported sinkings or instances requiring rafts to be towed over the finish line, underscoring the skill and preparation of the competing teams.
Among the standout rafts, the “Dream Cream Tri-Marine” crafted by Mike Renfree from Raglan Chocolate, claimed the prestigious Raddest Recycled Raft Award. Constructed from a broken surfboard, a windsurfer board, and a towering milk bottle sourced from Dreamview Creamery, the raft embodied creativity and resourcefulness.
The Most Ambitious Raft Award was bestowed upon the “Xtreme Zero Waste Raft,” a remarkable feat of engineering raced by Sean and Caleb. Constructed by Xtreme’s skilled duo of Trevor and Pete, the raft featured innovative elements such as a repurposed bike for propulsion and steering, showcasing ingenuity and determination.
The “Waitetuna School Wanderer” clinched the title of Best Junior Raft, with its eclectic ensemble of paddlers showcasing teamwork and camaraderie. Meanwhile, “The Sub” from Raglan Area School emerged victorious in the Best Team category, despite its penchant for submerging underwater during the race, thanks to the unwavering determination of its paddlers.
However, it was the “Drum Drum” raft that stole the show, earning the title of Fastest Raft with its sleek design and impressive speed. Constructed from 44-gallon drums and hydrogen peroxide containers, the raft, propelled by a team from Continuous Stainless in Frankton, left competitors in its wake.
