Marlin Coast Challenge Race OC1 and OC2 Craft / 18th October 2008 RESULTS
WOW what a race! Congratulations to everyone who competed and tested their skills against the elements which were thrown at them on the Saturday, lots of thrills & spills but wasn't it fun! That's what OC1/OC2 racing is all about and a great introduction to the Marlin Coast Challenge. Who said we didn't have waves up here! Only one broken canoe, lots of flips, great surfing and plenty of adrenalin pumping stuff.
It was a great honour to have some of the best paddlers in Australia competing - Chris Maynard, Mick de Roy and Steve West - thank you so much for coming up and being part of the inaugural race and also taking part in the breaky clinic and sharing some valuable paddling tips. It was also beautiful to see them making it all look so easy and so in tune with the ocean.
And thanks a million to all those who helped out from Hekili, Cairns Beaches and of course my Port Douglas crew - a great team effort and I couldn't have done it without your wonderful support and enthusiasm. And our legendry Medic Susan Markwell so reassuring to know she's there!
Thanks to AOCRA NQ Zone and especially Tuki for massive support for me throughout a very stressful pre race week and for making the race actually happen with the forecasted 25knot winds. And of course the amazing work of the 4 support boats and crew who so generously gave up their day to help look after the paddlers - the Port Douglas Coastguard, the 2 SES crews from Trinity Beach & Gordonvale and Keith Vis with his boat 'Dilligaf' driven by John Gammie from NQ Engineering & deckie Lyn Nolan/Hekili.
It couldn't have been too much fun out there in 25 knots with a few rain squalls thrown in so a big cheer for the support vessels. When I approached a few Port Douglas businesses for sponsorship many months ago with the race concept I got such a positive enthusiastic response which was incredibly reassuring because you can't start something like this without the wonderful support of sponsors who are prepared to back you and believe in your vision.
So a huge thankyou to Jason at the Court House Hotel our major sponsor who supplied cash sponsorship plus all the beer after the race, and the venue for the breakfast clinic, Port Douglas Catering who provided the fantastic ribs & rice post race feast, Jo from Maui Jim who donated the sunnies, caps, shirts, towels. Also a big thankyou to Byron & Vicki from MAD (Managing Australian Destination) who flew our special guest paddler Chris Maynard up from the Gold Coast and Vernon from Mantra Resorts who very generously donated 4 Superior King rooms at Mantra Treetops for our guest paddlers and to use as a raffle for the paddlers.
To have 60 paddlers competing in the inaugural race was sensational and extremely encouraging for the 2009 Marlin Coast Challenge so thankyou all for supporting this event and making it happen. The aim is to see this event grow and attract national and ultimately international paddlers so spread the word how great it was!
Also thanks to Steve West/Kanu Culture for managing the website and for his wealth of experience which was invaluable in getting this race happening.
Thanks a million everyone for all your support; the whole weekend was awesome! Faye Lilley Race Co-ordinator/Marlin Coast Challenge C/- Port Douglas Outrigger Canoe Club Inc Ph: 0422 531 897 faye@huntdesign.com.au
Click To Enlarge all Photos
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Located in tropical north Queensland, this change-over race is designed to encourage both the novice and experienced paddler. Two change-overs will be required in shallow water from designated beach points. The en-mass start will leave Ellis Beach and comprise of four legs: Ellis Beach to Wangetti Beach (12km), Wangetti Beach to Oak Beach (10km), Oak Beach to the Southern End of Four Mile Beach (10km) then to the Finish, adjacent the rocks off Rex Smeal Park (5km). The change-over points will be clearly marked with beach flags.
The Marlin Coastline towards Port Douglas
Sponsors
LEG 1 / 12KM ELLIS TO WANGETTI BEACH, LEG 2 / 10KM WANGETTI TO OAK BEACH, LEG 3/ 10KM OAK TO FOUR MILE BEACH, LEG 4/ 5KM FOUR MILE BEACH TO PORT DOUGLAS
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WANGETTI BEACH
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OAK BEACH
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FOUR MILE BEACH
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PORT DOUGLAS 2 orange buoys will mark the finish adjacent to Rex Smeal Park.
Driving to Change-Over Points All competitors to drive to the next changeover point. Please refer to map clearly showing each beach location for the changeover. Look out for fellow paddlers & make sure that no competitors are left stranded. First Aid & Safety Information Qualified First Aid Officers will be on duty throughout the race. There will be a Lead Boat and a Follow Boat and up to four other support boats roving up and down the coast keeping an eye on competitors. Race Rules AOCRA regatta rules apply. Leg leashes must be worn and one paddler per OC2. Support boats will be at a ratio as prescribed in AOCRA regatta rules. PDF’s must be carried on canoes – 1 per person. Presentations and Post Race Arrangements Presentations will be held immediately after all paddlers have finished the race and will be held at the Port Douglas Outrigger Pavilion
Catering provided by:
Divisions Men, Women and Mixed (No age divisions), Surf Skis.
Nomination Fees $50.00 per OC1 team - $100.00 per OC2 team
Cheques payable to Port Douglas Outrigger Canoe Club
Surf Skis Paddlers are welcome to participate but must sign an AOCRA Indemnity & Release form - AOCRA Insurance does not cover competitors in this division.
Race Fees Inclusions Race Shirt. Entry to Breaky Clinic with Chris Maynard & Steve West Sunday 19/10. “Ribs & Rice” Feast & Refreshments at the Pavilion after the race. Nomination Details Nomination forms (Download) and fees should be sent to: