We had some great conditions today for the 5-6km race from Mooloolaba Spit to Cotton Tree at Maroochydore. 15-20 kts SSE which meant a good downwind finally with some great runs!! If it had a little more east in it, it would have been perfect.
The Unlimited boards went off first with the 12'6" starting about 2 mins behind. Unfortunately due to miscommunication on the officials behalf there was some confusion with the course at the end when we got to the Maroochy river mouth which changed the final results across the line.
At the pre-race briefing we were informed that there was a bouy in the centre of the river mouth behind the break but that we could go either side of it. (I did wonder at this point what was the point of actually having it there for then if it served no purpose ???) But when we reached the river mouth both an official IRB and a jetski were informing paddlers to go around the bouy before crossing the bar through the centre which meant paddling an extra 300 metres. Unfortunately not everyone got that message and two guys cut the corner (which we all planned on doing originally) for a better and shorter line through the bar.
Classic was Damo who did get told by the jetski but said "Naa...I'm cuttin in here cause that guy over there is too" !! Damo is Dogman's lost little brother in everyway I reckon. So similar, the looks, the hair, the kit, the voice !! 
Anyway Danny was the first to the river mouth overall and rounded the bouy first before crossing the messy and sizable bar. He was unfortunately passed by the two guys who took the inside line. But everyone was happy at the end as we all knew we were only paddling for a great cause and not for sheep stations !!
Congratulations and thankyou to all paddlers for entering this charity event and for raising much needed funds for the Cancer Foundation. I think this event will only grow in numbers each year. It was really fun today !!
Results
Open Unlimited
Ryan Keck - DC15'6"
Damo Andrews - Illusions Noosa 14'
Danny Sheard - Hobie 14'
Mark Huxley - F16 SIC
Jason Diprose - Naish 14'
Neil English - ?
Chris Gorman - Naish 17'
12'6" Men
Lincoln Dews - Starboard
Rhys Davis - Hobie Race
Todd Cohen - Hobie Elite
Scott Roberts - Fanatic White
John Townsend - DC
12'6" Women
Sue Sheard - Hobie Race
Jayne Ryeland - Lahui Kai
Michelle Thompson - Illusions Noosa
I only have some pics from the waterproof camera I stuck in Danny's boardies at the start. I think some others may have some more pics to add too.
Danny & Sue Sheard, Rhys Davis and Big Toddy Cohen
Hey there you are !! John Townsend and Jayne Ryeland in the background (left) The Maroochy River Mouth in the background (right).
Everyone test driving the Hobie Race boards after the race.
Well done to all paddlers, looks like the race had more twist's and turns than the dream world roller coaster!
