Whanganui is home to the only official, long distance, small boat race in New Zealand – continuing our proud rowing history.

Rigtec Billy Webb commemorates New Zealand’s first professional single sculling world champion – William ‘Billy’ Webb’s defence of his World Title on the Whanganui River in 1908, before 25,000 spectators.

This free Community National and International Sporting Event is a rare opportunity to watch Olympic and World Champion rowers, compete against each other and the only chance for club and school rowers to compete against their legends.

ABOUT

A RACE TO REMEMBER

This 6km feature race takes place on New Zealand’s longest navigable river – Te Awa O Whanganui. A beautiful course, this is a memorable, must-do experience for all water sport enthusiasts.

Rowing NZ endorsed the race as a platform for NZ elite athletes to promote and encourage rowing in provincial areas like Whanganui – this is where many of our World and Olympic Champs journey to the world stage began.

HISTORY

William "Billy" Webb became the first New Zealander to win the world professional single sculls title when he beat Australian Charles Towns on the Parramatta River in Sydney, by five lengths in 1907 covering the demanding three-mile course in 20min 45sec.

Webb, who won 1,000 pounds for his Sydney victory, defended the title by two and three-quarter lengths on the Whanganui River in 1908 against twice Australian champion Richard Tressider, before 25,000 spectators including premier Sir Joseph Ward.

Later that same year Richard Arnst (Akaroa) de-throned Webb by six lengths on the Whanganui River and in 1909 held off a Webb title challenge by three lengths on the same river.

Webb, who rowed for the Union Boat Club, won the NZ amateur singles in 1903 and 1906, the NZ amateur doubles in 1905 and 1906 and the NZ professional singles in 1915.

OPEN ENTRY

The Rigtec Billy Webb Challenge is open to rowers of any age or experience, allowing any rower to race.

Along with cash prizes, thanks to our principal sponsor Rigtec Engineering and the Whanganui Rowing Association, the winners of the Men’s and Women’s Open have their names engraved alongside previous challenge winners on stunning glass trophies made by renowned glass artists based out of Whanganui.

For men, the ‘Billy Webb Challenge Trophy’ is a glass waka created by Greg Hall, and for women, the ‘Philippa Baker Hogan Trophy’ is a glass whisper created by Katie Brown.
New in 2024; the top prognostic Junior (Under 18) single sculler wins the Mahe Drysdale Junior trophy.

EVENT ORGANISERS

The Whanganui Rowing Association is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to facilitate the development and sustainability of rowing in the Whanganui region. To achieve these goals, the organisation relies on grant and corporate funding support.

PRIZES / TRAINING GRANTS

RESULTS

Current Event

Please check here following the event for Race Results

PHOTOS

SUPPORTERS

Our naming sponsor, Rigtec Engineering Ltd, other supporters and our wonderful volunteers rowing community make this iconic event possible.

CONTACT

Thank you for your interest in our event and we look forward to having you involved. We welcome your enquiries and invite you to contact us for any questions you may have.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

Email – billywebbchallenge@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow us on Facebook @ Billy Webb Challenge