A beautiful calm morning greeted race teams for some keen, fast racing on the Upper Waitemata Harbour. Staggered starts for both the 10km and 20km events gave the men a challenge in chasing the women and mixed teams.  In the end, in both races the men couldn’t quite do it, but it made for some superb times from the teams chasing and being chased.  First across the line in the 10km race was a master mixed team, Funky Mamaz N Papas from Te Paerangi in a time of 54 minutes and 33 seconds.  The first place J19 womens team was Manu Wahine from Manukau, only a minute behind.  First in the J16 women was WOCC Black from Waitakere, other division winners being Oceanriders from Portage Crossing in the open women, Doing the Mahi from Tu Tangi Ora in the master women, New Breed, also from Tu Tangi Ora in the open men and Te Tumu from Cook Islands Outrigger Association in the J16 men.

The 20km race saw an open womens team, Team Poe from Cook Islands Outrigger Association, leading the field out into the harbour.  Team Poe had a two minute lead by the turn at the Harbour Bridge and progressively increased their lead to win in a great time of 1hr 45m 6s – an average speed of almost 11.5kph for the 20km measured distance.  The first mens team across the line was a master men’s team, Harambe Orange from Akarana in a time of 1hr 31m 17s – an excellent average speed exceeding 13kph.  The first open mens team, Team Paddle Fly from Mitimitaga, came in just 30 seconds behind.  Master Mixed team Waka Blues from Ocean Blue Sports Club gave the men a run for their money coming in only just behind the men’s field.

The major prize of $1,000 for a randomly drawn team went to a J16 team from Waitakere – The Rookies.

All in all a great days racing.  Gunz ‘n Rozes from Waitakere thank all teams racing on the day for their support.