Opera singer turns coxswain for Aon Billy Webb Challenge

Published on 26 November 2014

26 November 2014

Opera singer Deborah Wai Kapohe is applying her musical training to a new venture – and this time it’s sport.

Ms Kapohe is the coxswain for the Wanganui District Council’s Corporate 8s team in the Aon Billy Webb Challenge to be held on the Whanganui River on Sunday, November 30.

“The Corporate 8s of the Billy Webb event has given me the opportunity to be in a rowing boat for the first time and to get to know the river,” Ms Kapohe said.

“I’m loving being a cox and, believe it or not, my music training is helping a lot. I grew up playing the trumpet in an orchestra which helps you get pretty good at counting. Having a loud voice helps too when you’re a cox.

“It’s been a fun six weeks of training and I encourage everybody to have a go at rowing – I am loving the experience.”

Ms Kapohe, who is the Council’s arts facilitator, is counting the beat for her workmates in the Corporate 8: Stuart Hylton, Jennie Evans, Rui Leitao, Chris Gould, Dave Rudolph, Kevin Ross, Tania Rounthwaite, Amanda Gedye and Bruce Butters (reserve), coached by Bob Evans from Union Boat Club.

They will be competing against two other local crews and two from Hawke’s Bay on a 750m course between the Whanganui City Bridge and the PS Waimarie berth, starting at 9.30am. The Corporate 8s will also be in action at the Aon Jury Cup on Saturday, November 29, as they race for starting lanes at Sunday’s event.

The main event in the Aon Billy Webb Challenge starts at 11.30am on Sunday. Competitors include international champions Mahe Drysdale and Hamish Bond. In a major change in format this year, the approximately 5km race is now open to all athletes which should provide an exciting finish for the spectators. The entrants will be competing for cash prizes ($1000 for elite, $100 for other categories).