Rowers gearing up for Townies vs. Baymen punt race

The St. John's harbour was filled with punts Tuesday, as crews practiced for the annual Townies vs. Baymen face-off. 

The Grand Punt Race, now in its third year, pits townies and baymen against one other in a race for harbour domination.

Team Townie member Donna Connors was there Tuesday to give tips to rowers, old and new — including comedian Mark Critch.

Connor's team won against the Baymen last year, after suffering defeat in their first year. She said her team is more than ready to defend their championship; they even bought their own punt to help them train.

"It is definitely going to happen. The townies don't lose really well. So we bought ourselves a punt, and been just trying to get faster and stronger all the time," said Connors.

The race is hosted by The Narrows Group, an organization focused on preserving and maintaining the entrance to the St. John's harbour. 

"It's about preserving, enhancing, protecting both sides of the entrance to the St. John's Harbour, Fort Amherst on one side, with its military history in particular, but then also on the Battery and the fishing heritage on that side," said Ryan Cleary, co-chair of the Grand Punt Race organizing committee.

The race will begin 10 a.m. Saturday at Harbourside Park.

Eight teams are competing this year; the top men's and women's teams will take home a $1,000 prize.