2021 Billy Webb Challenge
Whanganui’s proud rowing history comes to life in this legendary long distance single sculling race.
Organized by the Whanganui Rowing Association, the Billy Webb commemorates New Zealand’s first professional single sculling world champion – William ‘Billy’ Webb’s defense of his World Title on the Whanganui River in 1908, before 25,000 spectators.
The 5km feature race takes place on New Zealand’s longest navigable river–Te awa o Whanganui. The Billy Webb is open to rowers of any age or experience, giving any rower the opportunity to race! Along with cash prizes, the winners of the Men’s and Women’s Open have their names engraved alongside previous winners on the ‘Greg Hall’ glass waka trophy (men) and the ‘Katie Brown’ glasswhisper trophy (women).
Held on Sunday 24 January 2021, the Billy Webb Challenge is a headlining event of Bayleys Whanganui Vintage Weekend, one of the largest festivals in the region. Prizegiving is held at 12.30pm on the stage of the Riverside Shindig, which kicks off straight after with live music, dancing, a pop-up bar, food trucks and family fun all afternoon.
Together, these events make for a great day out for locals and visitors on the banks of the Whanganui River. Spectators and supporters are welcome to come and watch the live racing action from 10.30am on Sunday 24 January 2021.
Enter online here.
