Port Macquarie’s Outriggers have had yet another successful outing, strengthening the Club’s Championship points table ahead of the NSW State Titles in three weeks’ time.
Port Macquarie’s Outriggers came out in the top three at Sunday’s Grand Prix marathon at Palm Beach, on Sydney’s northern beaches.
This year’s ocean canoe race series has been dominated by the locals who fielded three teams on the weekend.
Port Macquarie fielded three Mixed teams in the 17km long course event held at the mouth of the mighty Hawkesbury River on Sunday.
South easterly winds and swell made for sloppy conditions around Lion Island and Barrenjoey Headland with line honours going to locals from Northern Beaches outrigger Canoe Club.
Port Macquarie finished 2nd after 1hr 30m; with Five Islands (Wollongong) 3rd.
Port Macquarie’s 2nd and 3rd teams finished strongly in 4th and 7th adding to the Club’s championship points tally.
The 18-strong squad from Port Macquarie had just an hour to recover before reshuffling into a Men’s, a Women’s and a Mixed team for the 8km shortcourse event.
“We felt the need to contest both the long and the short course at this regatta. 25km of racing in one day will toughen us up in time for the State Titles in a few weeks,” said Coach, Lauren Grant.
With the men and women racing together, the start line was the usual hectic affair.
Port Macquarie’s Women started well, whilst the Men’s team had to negotiate some heavy traffic from the standing start.
Averting any major bingles, the men muscled their nose into the lead. Steerer Joel Moodie commended his team’s effort. “There’s a huge psychological advantage in breaking through to the lead. We each got a sniff and the canoe sang for a while, putting over 100metres on 2nd place by the time we reached Lion Island 3km from the start.”
After rounding Lion Island, Port Macquarie powered home, winning by over 500m.
Port Macquarie’s Women jostled with the third placed Men’s team for the entire race, only narrowly succumbing during the final dash for the line, eventually claiming 1st place in the Women’s division and 4th overall.
Port Macquarie’s big day continued with their third Mixed team claiming 3rd place in the mixed division, cementing the Club as the biggest improving club of the competition.
Port Macquarie outriggers will be working hard in preparation of the busiest part of their season. They still welcome newcomers at 8am each Saturday morning and will soon host their popular Corporate Day Challenge on April 16.
Anyone wishing more information should call Mick Wilson on 0447 620 926 or log onto the Club’s website www.marorokanu.websyte.com.au
