The 2010 Navy George Bass kicks off in Batemans Bay
The 2010 Navy George Bass Marathon kicks off this Sunday in Batemans Bay. The grueling 190 kilometre race, the world's longest and toughest surf boat marathon will be run over seven days, finishing in Eden on January 9.
A total of 23 male and female surf boat teams are taking part in this year event, with strong competition from NSW, VIC, ACT and QLD expected across all divisions.
For the first time, organisers of the Navy George Bass are pleased to welcome a international crew, Surfboat Holland, representing The Netherlands.
Competitors have been warned to expect horrendous conditions for the opening leg of the marathon, which kicks off at 9am on Sunday morning.
The Bureau of Metrology (BOM) predicted rowers will face a strong southerly wind reading up to 33 knots, which are expected to ease later in the afternoon to around 15 to 20 knots.
hypothermia_1
Event organisers have warned rowers to be cautious and ensure they remained well hydrated and warm.
"Hypothermia, sea sickness and dehydration can be a real threat," marathon spokesperson Andrew Edmunds said.
Mr Edmunds said rowers were warned at a briefing held this afternoon in Batemans Bay.
"They've been assured we have everything in place to ensure maximum safety. We have a range of support boats and qualified first aiders so if anything were to happen we could adequately deal with each situation.
"However if the weather does turnout is as the BOM predicts, rowers will face a tough, challenging start to the 190 kilometre marathon."
BOM FORECAST:
Wind: S 20/30 knots, reaching 33 knots in the south at first. Winds easing to S/SE 15/20 knots in the north in the afternoon, and to S/SW 15/2 knots in the south during the evening. Sea: 2 to 3 metres, abating to 1.5 to 2 metres. Swell: S about 2 metres.
2010 Marathon entries:
OPEN MEN
Bulli -Illawarra Branch
Anglesea-Sydney Northern Beaches Branch
Surfboat Holland - Holland
Fairy Meadow - Illawarra Branch
Long Reef - Sydney Branch
Canberra Vikings - ACT
Wollongong City - Illawarra Branch
VETERANS
Bulli - Illawarra Branch
North Steyne - Sydney Northern Beaches Branch
Pambula - Far South Coast Branch
Tathra - Far South Coast Branch
Narooma - Far South Coast Branch
Bermagui composite Men/Women - Far South Coast Branch
WOMEN
Anglesea - Victoria
Pambula - Far South Coast Branch
Moruya - Far South Coast Branch
Canberra Vikings - ACT
Woolamai - Victoria
Avalon Beach - Sydney Northern Beaches Branch
Woolamai 2nds - Victoria
Narooma - Far South Coast Branch
Broulee/Canberra - ACT / Far South Coast Branch
