No certainty at Maadi says commentator

It’s day four at the Maadi Cup and commentator Kirsty Dunhill’s voice is starting to go. 

Her voice is usually hoarse by the end of the regatta but Dunhill said it’s been harder this year because of so many close races. 

“You have to protect your voice more,” Dunhill said. 

Dunhill said it’s important to control your voice and not over-exert it when the excitement kicks in during the tight races.

“I’ve got to get through to Saturday and I’m starting to feel a bit hoarse now,” Dunhill said.

While there is often a firm favourite at the Maadi Cup, Dunhill says this year there is no certainty, which can make it more interesting for observers. 

“If it’s a line up and there’s no one that’s broken clear, then the crowd just goes mad and the kids go up the front. It does really build it up,” Dunhill said.

“There’s some upsets there…I wouldn’t necessarily pick one crew as the firm favourite at the moment,” she said.

Dunhill commentates for about two hours with 30-40 minute breaks in between. 

She said background work is important to provide a richer experience for observers.

“A lot of people spend a lot of money to get here…so you don’t want to be calling the crews wrong. 

“I might start tent surfing shortly,” she said. “See what sort of stories I can find out for any gaps that I get up here.”

Dunhill said she’s noticed more parents taking time off work to make the trip and watch. 

“The volume of supporters has lifted today,” Dunhill said. 

Dunhill is also the head coach of Cambridge High School who have done exceptionally well this year, already through to 15 semifinals being held today. 

She said it’s hard not to get overwhelmed when it’s your own crew. 

“That took some learning,” she said. 

So far three of her crews have finished in the top three today and have gone through to the A finals. 

This is Dunhill’s sixth year of commentating. 

“It’s my hobby, it’s my interest, it’s what I love,” she said. 

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