Source: www.cookislandnews.com

Calm morning seas greeted the 15 teams that left the Avarua Harbour heading towards Arorangi with changes starting 20 minutes after the start for safety reasons.

Waitakare, whose members were in last year's winning team called Wahine Toa, led from the start with every stroke taking them further into the lead.

Fifty-five minutes into the race Waitakare had reached the Rarotongan Hotel point and about 200m behind them in second was Tahiti, followed by Ngakau Toa.

Further back in the field Sydney Outrigger had to be towed back to Avarua harbour after their ama came loose, though they were given another start just before the men's race in the afternoon.

In the middle of the field, Team Gurlfrend and Te Tupu o te Manava were looking strong with quick changes and strong strokes.

With Waitakare the clear leaders, it was a fight between Ngakau Toa and Tahiti for second place.

At the Little Polynesian in Titikaveka, Tahiti was ahead of Ngakau Toa by 150 metres.
Coming around the Avana point, Tahiti opted for a changeover which saw Ngakau Toa creep up on Tahiti.

For several metres it was stroke for stroke as the two teams fought it out and as Club Raro came into view it was Ngakau Toa who won the fight.

Ngakau Toa and Tahiti pulled the lead back from race leaders Waitakare to about 10 boat lengths.

From the fishing club back to the Avarua Harbour it was Waitakare who were clearly in the lead followed by Ngakau Toa and Tahiti. - Matariki Wilson

Results:
1 Waitakare NZ 2:59:50
2 Ngakau Toa RAR 3:02:55
3 Tahiti 3:03:22
4 Te Tupu O Te Manava RAR 3:05:42
5 Vairua O Te Onu NZ 3:14:12
6 Team Gurlfrend AUST 3:14:42
7 Kaha Wahine NZ 3:16:04
8 Team Xylo AUST 3:18:19
9 Rere Huoroa NZ 3:19:55
10 Mitamitaga NZ 3:21:07
11 Tafaga FIJI 3:21:44
12 AUST Kai Puna 3:28:11
13 Dud's AUST 3:33:52