Commodore Tony Dalton Launches the Navy George Bass Surfboat Marathon at the Bulli Surf Life Saving Club. Image: Royal Australian Navy
The 2010 Navy George Bass was launched 18th November, 2009, by Commodore Letts of the Navy and race director Bert Hunt.
More than twenty of the country’s elite surf boat crews will battle it out in the biannual event. Dubbed the world’s longest and toughest event, the marathon runs for seven days over 190 kilometres of the Far South Coast.
The bass will kick off in Batemans Bay on January 3 and finish at Eden on January 9.
George Bass director, Bert Hunt, said this year’s marathon is shaping up to be a fantastic event.
“We’re very glad to have Navy back on board as major sponsors, as we have great synergies with their organisation,” he said at today’s launch at Bulli.
“The bass is tough, it is an extremely hard race designed to foster teamwork, courage and competitiveness. For us to have a sponsor that shares those values is quite special.”
The marathon imitates the feats of Naval Commander George Bass who explored the coastline in 1797.
Mr Hunt said it was touching to have a number of clubs entered this year that took part in the original marathon 35 years ago. “Bulli, Long Reef, Moruya and Tathra were there for the first bass, and we’re glad to have them representing again this year.”
A number of crews will be competing from New South Wales, Victoria, the A.C.T and for the first time an international crew from Holland will be taking part.
“It’s great to again have some international interest in what is the longest and toughest event in the world,” Mr Hunt said.
“Holland is sure to put in a good effort and take on our local crews.”
Men’s defending champions Batemans Bay will again be racing, while reigning female champions Woolamai are hoping to retain their title.
2010 Navy George Bass Surf Boat Marathon Entrants:
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Men:
Bulli, Illawarra NSW
Anglesea, VIC Bermagui, Far South Coast NSW Surfboat Holland, Holland Fairy Meadow, South Coast NSW Long Reef – Sydney Northern Beaches, NSW Canberra Vikings, ACT Narooma, Far South Coast NSW Wollongong, Illawarra NSW Batemans Bay, Far South Coast Bulli Vets, Illawarra NSW North Steyne Vets, Sydney Northern Beaches, NSW Pambula Vets, Far South Coast NSW Tathra Vets, Far South Coast NSW |
Women:
Angelsea, VIC
Canberra Moruya Vikings, ACT
Woolamai A, VIC
Woolamai B, VIC
Broulee Canberra, NSW
Narooma, Far South Coast, NSW
Moruya, Far South Coast, NSW
Avalon Beach, NSW
Pambula, Far South Coast, NSW
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Royal Australian Navy - Proud supporters of the the George Bass Surfboat Marathon. Image: Dave Tease. Illawarra Mercury
Commodore Tony Dalton with a trophy from the very first George Bass Marathon held in 1975, where 12 crews competed in the 180 kilometre event. Image: Royal Australian Navy
