The Inaugural RPAYC Cruising Ladies Kayak Championship.
"There was movement at the boats
As the word was passed around
That the girls and the kayaks were ready to race."
That's right, the competitive spirit of the cruising ladies was thrust into top gear when it was suggested that a kayak race be run. As we were anchored in Killaben Bay it was noticed that many of the yachts had kayaks tied to the stern.
A race was inevitable!
The girls pretended to show no interest, but quietly got themselves together in teams of two per kayak. The Windsong team, eventual winners, were even seen doing muscle building and loosening up exercisers before the big event. The Misty Blue team, not quite the winners, had a special high energy drink disguised as champagne to give them the edge.
Everyone gathered on the shore, a course was set and the rules (just joking) were laid out. The race instruction were for the first paddler on each vessel to set a course out around Perchance, taken to starboard, and back to shore. The second team member would then change places and repeat the course.
After each vessel had been given a safety audit, that is "it floats" they were lined up for the start. Jockeying for position and paddling space was not a pretty sight.
The rescue Zodiac was sent ahead and the count down to the start commenced.
They're off and with a flurry of flashing paddles the water boiled! Wot's Next shot out to an early lead but Mixed Nuts, Red Undies and Windsong were in hot persuit.
As they neared the turn some of the newcomers to the sport realised that making a 3 mtr kayak go around corners, or even a straight line, is harder than it looks.
At the halfway changeover chaos ruled supreme, but everyone got in and changed without major incident.
The Misty Blue team and the Southern Cross team were in hot persuit.
Winners will always be grinners and congratulation go to Donna & Margot from the Windsong team for a valiant effort in holding off the charge to the finish.
Everyone ended up being a winner because it was such great fun and the biggest winners will be the kayak sellers as at least six of the girls are now looking to buy there own.
Many thank to the proprietors of Dunn Honey for supplying the prizes which were presented the next night at the evening bar-b-q.
Story: Maurice Byrne
Pictures: Peter McAdie
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