Farmer sails his super-size pumpkin across lake - a New Zealand first
by Lee Mylchreest on 25 Mar 2014
Pumpkin boat and its British skipper SW
Quirkiness must be contagious. He read about it on the internet and now he's doing it. Sail-World Cruising wrote last year about a young British eccentric and artist who had sailed (rowed) his supersize pumpkin across the Solent (See Sail-World Story)
Now a New Zealand farmer is planning to go on a similar excursion. Tim Harris is, as I write, rowing his 550kg pumpkin across Hamilton Gardens Turtle Lake - a New Zealand first.
The Atlantic Giant Pumpkin which Harris has been growing since October is in pristine condition to make its maiden voyage.
An internet search motivated the father of two to sail the pumpkin, and hopes his voyage across the lake will inspire others to participate at next year's Great Pumpkin Carnival.
'It would be great if we could get others interested in the sport so we could hold a regatta every year.'
The sport has a dedicated following in America.
He began pumpkin growing three years ago when he entered a competition.
Although his wife thinks he's 'crazy', she is supportive and his two primary aged children Olivia and Alex think it's great.
'The kids are excited about the row, just as excited as I am,' he said.
He wants anyone close enough to go visit the Carnival: thegreatpumpkincarnival.co.nz.
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/120407
