Moruya girls crash through huge wave off Tuross
Day three of the Navy George Bass went down to the wire with the Canberra Vikings taking out the Open division and Woolamai defeating Canberra/ Caloundra in the Women's race by just two seconds.
In the eventful day Vikings rower Luke Price came to the aid of two crews in difficulty showing incredible sportsmanship.
The Bermagui combined ladies and veterans' crew had difficulty navigating through the surf. They were struck by a three-metre wave off Colia, throwing the sweep overboard. Luke, along with Broulee member Rhys Harris rowed the boat through the treacherous surf crew so they could continue the race. The conditions were that bad the 200 odd spectators applauded when they made it out safely. Luke's generosity didn't end there however, as the Vikings Rower volunteered to sweep the Anglesea Veterans after their sweep withdrew from the race with a back injury.
"I think the great thing about the Bass is everyone is such a strong team - not just within their own crew, but the whole organisation chips in and does everything needed from feeding rowers, massages, or helping out opposition crews when they are short of rowers," Mr Price said.
"I think every competitor, especially the new ones, are getting an idea of how the Bass works and how it really takes a whole team effort."
Vikings sweep Gavin Hunt, and Woolamai ladies sweep Stephen Blewett chose to head further out to sea than the fleet, with other crews remaining in shore.
It was a tactic that worked, with both crews following a strong north easterly wind into the finish line.
Surf Boat Holland crew experience their first huge Australian swell off Tuross today
The Canberra Vikings / Metropolitan Caloundra crew remained closer to shore and met up with the Woolamai about four kilometres from the finish line. It was neck and neck the rest of the way with Woolamai crossing the line less than a boat length in front of the Vikings.
"It really was fantastic racing," Marathon director Bert Hunt said.
Mr Hunt said the racing further down the fleet was just as close with many crews having just seconds between them.
Tomorrow the Bureau of Metrology has predicted southerly winds of 20 to 25 knots. Sea: 2 to 2.5 metres. Swell: SE 1 to 1.5 metres and scattered thunderstorms.
"The concern with those conditions have to be hypothermia, sea sickness and dehydration if the weather eventuates," Mr Hunt said.
"The crews will be resting up tonight to make sure they're ready for the tough weather tomorrow."
Results Day Three Tuross to Narooma 22 kilometres
Open Men
Canberra Vikings 1 hour, 25 minutes, 30 seconds
Bulli 1 hour, 27 minutes, 25 seconds
Fairy Meadow 1 hour, 28 minutes, 48 seconds
Long Reef 1 hour, 28 minutes, 02 seconds
Wollongong City 1 hour 32 minutes, 18 seconds
Surf Boat Holland 1 hour, 48 minutes, 13 seconds
Open Women
Woolamai 1 hour 37 minutes, 58 seconds
Canberra Vikings/ Metropolitan Caloundra 1 hour 38 minutes
Woolamai 2nds 1 hour 41 minutes
Pambula 1 hour, 41 minutes, 45 seconds
Narooma 1 hour 43 minutes, 07 seconds
Moruya 1 hour, 43 minutes, 29 seconds
Broulee 1 hour, 44 minutes, 58 seconds
Avalon Beach 1 hour 47 minutes, 13 seconds
Anglesea 1 hour, 47 minutes, 27 seconds
Veteran Men
North Stenye 1 hour, 22 minutes, 42 seconds
Bulli 1 hour, 25 minutes, 30 seconds
Narooma 1 hour, 33 minutes, 07 seconds
Pambula 1 hour, 35 minutes 01 second
Tathra 1 hour, 36 minutes, 12 seconds
Bermagui 1 hour 44 minutes 27 seconds
Anglesea 1 hour, 47 minutes, 18 seconds
Overall race standings after day three
Open Men
Canberra Moruya Vikings 0 points
Bulli 3 points
Wollongong City 9 points
Fairy Meadow 11 points
Long Reef 12 points
Surf Boat Holland 17 points
Open Women
Canberra Vikings/Metropolitan Caloundra 1 point
Woolamai 2 points
Pambula 9 points
Woolamai 2 11 points
Moruya 11 points
Broulee 13 points
Narooma 16 points
Avalon Beach 22 points
Anglesea 23 points
Veterans
North Steyne 0 points
Bulli 5 points
Narooma 7 points
Pambula 8 points
Tathra 10 points
Bermagui 16 points
Anglesea 17 points
