Open Men's crew win the George Bass Surf Boat Marathon
The 2016 George Bass Surf Boat Marathon had everything....testing large surf conditions, strong southerly winds, torrential rain, sunshine (few days) & a north easterly wind (2hrs after the event finished).
The club has a proud history in this iconic event and 2016 didn't disappoint with our Open Men's crew known as the 'Nipper Vets' winning 4 legs of the gruelling 7 day 190km event. Battling the elements including changing course conditions each day, a couple of days rowing in flat water including Moruya River proved not only a physical challenge but a mental challenge as well. And our boys showed exceptional class to withstand the strong challenges from Moruya Vikings, Coogee & Long Reef crews over the 7 days.
Well done to Paul Jones (sweep), Adam Barlow, Adam Hammersley, Darren Thompson, Chad Peterson, Josh Woodword, Greg Pilkington, Aron Davis & Wayde Peterson.
Our 'Óld Vets' as they were known battled the elements each day, still enjoying the challenge even if the arms & legs are getting weary. The social side of this crew still stands out & the stories at camp each night made the trip memorable.
Well done & congratulations to Nigel Taylor (sweep), Craig Lunney, Chad Carruthers, Rod Mercer, Chris Mercer, Peter McLaren, Jason Sparkes, Jason Byrne & Glenn MacMillan.
Team Bulli/Camp Bulli was led by Adam Barlow (Boat Captain), Lincoln Costello & Chrstine Churchill. Assisted by a heap of mums and support crew who over the 7 days of rowing made sure that the camp site was right, meals ready including after race snacks, trailers transported to the right locations, support boats ready for each day and so on.....so a shout out to the following;
* The Bulli support crew; all the wives and supporters that pitched in to help run the camps, make the lunches, tow trailers as required, cared for the kids (even ones that didn't belong to them) etc.
* The support boat owners, Mitchell Roberts, Kieran Harris from Pambula SLSC, support boat drivers, there were a few over the week, Graham Davis, Matt Roodenrys, Jim and Mark from Pambula SLSC and the crewmen Snow Roberts and Braidan Byrne.
* The "Bulli cheer squad", the kids. It was reported that the rowers could hear them every day cheering from headlands, bridges and wharfs along the coast. This got them all to the finish.
* Those that towed the boats (surf boats and power boats)
* The rowers themselves, not only did they row every day, but they cooked, washed up and maintained camp.
The start of the week had its challenges, with the rain and a trashed camp but thanks goes out to all for adapting to the conditions as well as you did and everybody was amazed how well behaved all the kids were, especially in the horrendous weather at Moruya; a credit to you all.
Our sponsors that supported this event including Bulli Pharmacy (medical supplies), FINZ Swimwear (yellow rowing shirts & caps, water bottles), Bulli Fruit & Deli (suplies of fresh fruit & salad), Thiroul Bowling Leagues & Recreational Club (grey t/shirts), Envie Fitness (bottled water for support boat & rowers).
Without all of the above the successful week that was, couldn't have happened.
A true club effort, well done to all.