Today was our second day at Hamo, but the first day of racing for many of us with both the 16km Round Island race and 500m Sprints up for grabs.
Last night after rigging I bumped into Kerry, who was looking very focused. I was a little concerned. I thought that something might have been wrong - Kerry is always a bundle of energy, and typically joking around. She told me today was her day, and the source of her focus was having a great race with her crew and Dungara.
I thought it would be great to hear from her how it went!
16km Round Island Race from Kerry (and accomplices Kath, Di & Meising)
Being the special person I am… having the special conditions I have… a glass of red at the end of the day has replenished my iron levels and given me strength to tell my tales of the day.
The day began very early with the moon bright and the stars shining. As the sun rose over the race site, the sense of anticipation was visible in our faces, and in the quiet movement of the semi light as crews did final checks and preparations on their canoes.
Like all great races, before we knew it, we were on the water paddling for the start line. We were ready! As a crew and as individuals. Flags are up and we are off. Count to ten, hut, breath, count to ten. And then our real start began. We were T-boned with another crew going nowhere – got to love Hamo!! We pulled out of the mess, and then nudged another crew the entire way around the first corner. Then it was clear water, and all about the rhythm. The water was like a mill pond, so it was all about us, and the power we could put on the water.
Most exciting part of all was our Eddy! Oh yeah! It was big, but we were bigger!! Unlike the other two crews next to us that spun out of sight.
And then we were at the last headland, and sprinting to the finish. Giving it all we had left in the tank.
The crews, for 16km and Sprints, were phenomenal. Everyone took their roles seriously, and with the passion I know that PD’s bring to their races!!
16km around the island, done – Tick!
Awesome!
Afternote from Shell
The above crew came in 6th in the Open Women's 16km race in a time of 1:21:20. Our other PD chicks crew came 3rd in 1:14:40, less than 30sec behind 2nd. A great result bringing in a rare piece of bling! The PD Men also had a great race in the afternoon, nailing their race plan - results to come. Congrats everyone!
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