By JO SEARLE
THE second Sydney Harbour Challenge for six-man outrigger canoes was held at Manly, Sydney, on Saturday 28 February.
Many of the top teams from Australia and a few from overseas were attracted to compete in this prestigious race.
Having enjoyed the race in 2014, Noosa crews were once again keen to test their mettle against the might of Mooloolaba and Outrigger Australia from Queensland, and Cronulla and Northern Beaches in New South Wales.
Paddlers in all crews performed optimally and covered the 22km course in times ranging from 1 hour 51 minutes for the Master Men, to 2 hours 15 minutes for the Senior Master Women. This was all in a busy harbour with ferries crossing and yacht racing to contend with.
It was to be a bronze day with the Senior Master Mixed crew (Chris Mitchell, Jacquie Irving, Jill Bingham, Peter Braden, Tommy Painter and Brad Burgess), Senior Master Men (Dave Patterson, Des Mabbott, Warren White, Ian Fielding-Smith, Phil Bensted and Shane Hegarty), Senior Master Women (Wendy Mabbott, Dee Mooney, Pip Kay, Bernie Patterson, Cecily Ridderhof and Rhonda Crockford) and Master Men (Michael Blumentals, Paul Squire, Peter Williams, John Goller, Dave Russell and Martin Courtenay) all coming home third in their respective categories.
The Senior Master Mixed crew was stoked to place third after only paddling together for three weeks. The incredible steering skills of Chris Mitchell were a great asset.
The crew also enjoyed the special and humbling feeling of paddling across the harbour and under the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Master Men crew were well pleased with third, coming in behind the two fastest Master Men’s crews in Australia.
In support of their mate, the men wore black armbands, dedicating the race to John Goller senior, who passed away in the week prior to the race.
The Golden Master Men (Craig Harris, Ken Mitchell, Bill Ridderhof, Brian Rogers, Gary Hanlon and John McAlpin) ran home from 3km out to clinch the gold. They benefited from Gary in the first seat, setting a consistent race pace, even as the arma (balance arm) lifted high out of the water a number of times.
Each team member received a gold medal, and the team’s trophy will be displayed at Beans N Bagels, Gympie Terrace, Noosaville – one of NOCC’s sponsors.
Two other teams also performed remarkably well, with another Senior Master Men’s team (Ian Vivian, Graham Woods, Roger Arbuckle, Don Smith and Marco Rocco) coming home fourth and the Master Women (Jane Coveny, Kath Gentry, Susie Blumentals, Racquel Hamnett, Pascale Hegarty and Stacey Phillis) coming an impressive 12th over the line out of 41 women’s teams, in a time of 2 hours and 9 minutes, and sixth in their category.
So there were smiles all round and a great atmosphere at the post-race get-together. Plus, it should be noted that NOCC secretary Craig Harris won a prize for best – or was that worst – dance performance.
Competing in Sydney would not have happened if NOCC didn’t transport its canoes to Sydney, so members wish to offer a huge vote of thanks to Peter Williams, Martin Courtenay and Michael Blumentals for towing the canoes on the long road trip.
Members would also like to acknowledge the great coaching commitment given to teams by Des Mabbott.
The Noosa Outrigger Canoe Club always welcomes new members, both competitive and social paddlers.
For more information or to come and try, please check the website noosaoutriggers.com.au/
