The first contingent of New Zealand's 2006 international rowing campaign heads off to Europe on Monday - the boats.

The elite crews battle it out over the next three days in a World Cup simulation involving staggered starts against each other, not to mention world record times.

World champion singles sculler Mahe Drysdale is undecided as to what boat he will be taking with him.

He says he has not seen the 'A' boat as yet and has been training in his 'B' boat so he will decide in time which one to take.

Meanwhile women's eight member Emma Twigg says she and the likes of fellow crew member Bess Halley have got more important things to worry ahead of their first elite tour.

She says they each have a special box in which to put important things.

She says Halley has already put in her favourite tomato sauce.

The elite rowers depart New Zealand shores on June 9 ready for the first event in Poland a week later.