Cambridge accommodation maxed out for Maadi
Maadi Cup schools and students have booked out Cambridge’s accommodation this week.
Accommodation is booked out in Cambridge next week, with over 2000 students competing in the Maadi Cup.
iSite Cambridge said that the town is full, with only a few expensive bed and breakfasts having rooms available.
Liz Stolwyk, site manager for Might River Domain, Lake Karapiro, has more than 30 schools staying at her camping grounds and is fully booked.
“But in saying that, I can always find room to squeeze more people in,” Stolwyk said.
“The rowers are great, they are in bed by 9pm, because they have to be up so early. I have never had any problems with rowers ever, and I have been here for nearly nine years,” she said.
Among those camping are six rowers from Onewhero Area School. It is the school’s first time at the Maadi Cup.
“We like staying here, more so when it isn’t raining,” said Georgia Colson, 15, rowing student from Onewhero Area School
They all pitch in money for food, and their parents cook for them at the camping grounds.
“When we aren’t rowing we like to hang out with friends, and meet new people,” said Kasey Martin, 14.
Pukekohe High School student Jack Baxter said he and his team are staying at the Cambridge Football Club on Vogel Street this year, but last year stayed at Lake Karapiro camp grounds.
“I kind of prefer staying at the football club, but the camping last year was a lot of fun too. I wouldn’t mind which place I stayed at, really,” said Baxter.
Baxter is hoping that his team does a more “decent” job at the Maadi Cup this year than last year when he felt they “could have done better”.
Meanwhile, St Margaret’s College has booked out Colonial Court Motel, while Christchurch Girls and Burnside College have booked into No.1 Motel on Victoria.
Manager Andrew Stott said the schools have a standard booking with the motel every second year, when the Maadi regatta is held at Lake Karapiro.
“The schools get used to going to the same complex, they know exactly what they are getting, and it is nice for them to go to the same place, because they become familiar with it,” Stott said.
“As long as everything goes well when they stay I can guarantee that we will have the same booking with the same schools every two years.”
Captains Quarters have been booked out by Rangiruru School from Christchurch.
“It is great having the Maadi Cup here, it brings business everywhere, and bring a nice atmosphere to the whole town,” said Trudi Hedges, owner of Captains Quarters.
