Bream Bay community news with Julie Paton

Swimmers wait to be counted in the interhouse Human Chain event at Bream Bay College's swimming sports. Photo / Julie Patton

Plunging into the School Year

Bream Bay College students welcomed the new school year with their fun swimming sports day last Friday.

Skies cleared for the day and although the water was a cool 22C after the previous day's heavy rain, sports co-ordinator Megan Carran says most of students took to the water to participate and it was a wonderful day.

She is grateful to all the parents who came along and helped run the day. The day was a mix of fun events - human chain, truck and trailer, dolphin dives; 25m races in all strokes and interhouse relays.

Inverness won the big age group relay, but Ross was ahead on points at the end of the day, and in the final event the Year 13 students' relay team had a clear win over the teachers.

Snake Bank Regatta

Water crafts of all description will launch into the harbour on 10 February for Marsden Yacht and Boat Club's annual Snake Bank Regatta.

Starting off the clubhouse at One Tree Point, the regatta is open to all wind-driven and man-powered craft - if it floats and is not motorised, it is eligible to enter.

Last year 120 craft competed in the spectacle, and organisers hope for at least that many this year. The people-powered section (kayaks, canoes, rowboats, paddleboards) will race in the morning following an 11am briefing.

Sail boats race in the afternoon after a briefing at 1pm. This year the club offers more sections to enter, with handicap divisions for sailing craft.

All entrants go in the draw to win a stand-up paddleboard from Red Paddle Co, worth $2050. Entry Fees $25 (under 18s $5). Live music from 2pm and great food available.

Winter Sport Rally Days

The weather is still warm, but winter sports are just around the corner and clubs are gearing up for the coming season.

Bream Bay Hockey Club's rally day for all teams is 25 February at the Bream Bay College turf – 11am for juniors (years 1-8) and 12pm for seniors (men's and women's, year 9 to adult).

Contact Emma Cross at 027 676 0006 or emmacross@xtra.co.nz.

A rally day for Bream Bay's men's premier and reserve teams is on February 17 at Hockey Northland – contact Russell Plank 021 752 653.

Waipu Senior Netball Club, which plays in the Wellsford competition will hold trials at the Celtic Barn on February 20 and 22, $10 per person. Phone Anita Carr 021 029 87269 or Hollie Shields 021 105 4633 for more information.

Waipu Rugby's junior rally dates are March 8 and 15, 5-6pm in the Caledonian Park clubrooms. Bring a birth certificate or passport for your child.

Training begins March 27. Pre-season training for Bream Bay United Football Club's senior teams is 6pm Tuesday (women's) and Thursday (men's).

Email Julie Paton at moojoy@xtra.co.nz if you've got Bream Bay news to share with the Advocate