Rowing: World championship bid boosted

Rowing New Zealand's custom-built weed-eater is close to being delivered to Lake Karapiro.

The machine will take away dreaded weed, removing a major problem which hampers the rowers.

CEO Craig Ross said a new sponsor, set to be revealed next week, has helped put together the cash needed.

Ross said it is money well spent, particularly as an investment in their bid to host the 2010 world championships.

The machine has been custom-built in Australia and costs about $300,000.

It works by sitting on top of the water, lifting weeds up and chopping them off, which creates enough room for an oar to pass through.

- NEWSTALK ZB