A clean sweep for the Australian Open Male and Female teams highlighted a fantastic weekend of racing in New Zealand as four elite surf boat crews raced for the Trans-Tasman Cup.
Racing across the weekend of 4-5 February, the Open Male and U23 Male crews were selected from NSW, with Port Kembla SLSC and South Curl Curl SLSC, respectively, being selected to represent their country in the challenging event.
The Port Kembla crew, alongside their Queensland counterparts in the Open Female racing, won the series 3-0. The South Curl Curl boys, competing in conjunction with an U23 Female crew from South Australia, lost their series 2-1 while the women won 2-1.
This led to an exciting relay finish to determine the overall series winner, with both results contributing to who would take home the trophy, but an unfortunate end for the U23 Males saw New Zealand claim the victory.
“The boys got smashed by this huge wave out the back and were thrown out of the boat – there were a few broken oars and one chipped tooth,” Australian Team Manager, Greg Heard said.
The four crews later raced in the North Island Championships before returning home, where the Open Male and Female crews, as well as the U23 Males, won their events. The U23 Females finished second.
“It was a great trip with an amazing team, everyone got on well and we were all very passionate,” Port Kembla and Open Male crew sweep, Jack Patison said.
“They all presented themselves really well both on the beach and while racing, they were a great team to travel with,” Greg continued.
“The whole team was very inclusive.
“We’re blessed because we have some really strong crews in all divisions, particularly in NSW.”
Wednesday 8 February 2023