We paddled relatively calm sea’s, then paddled through choppy wind generated waves and continued paddling right through to rolling breakers hooning down the coast towards Omanu.

At times it seemed like to wind was straight off the Antarctic !

But along the way we got to sample a bit of aquatic nature as seals, penguins, dolphins and whales were sighted along with shoals of kahawai boiling up with terns and gannets diving all around us.

If you and your team want to practice Open Ocean racing this is the series to do it.

The team at Hoe Aroha Whanau O Mauao wish to thank all those that turned up and braved the cold to race in our series.

Special thanks to the helpers on the land and the safety boat people on the sea, who make the event happen.

Special thanks to the harbour challenge committee for the use of their equipment along with the BOP times caravan keeping the rego people warm and dry.

To the other sponsors that helped out through the series many thanks to you all.

The team are off to Raro to warm up so if we don’t see you before

Have a very happy and enjoyable festive season

Keep ya paddles wet and your body dry