Trans Tasman Challenge News 2009

WOW.... What a great event on the 6th 7th 8th of June. The Trans Tasman Challenge was a complete success with 24 competitive boats competing for their nation. The weather turned for the better the day before the event started,with 5 knots of off shore wind and blue skys. We had some really low tides to work to our favour as there was bad beach errosion. Running starts and beach finishes were eliminated because of the beach condition. On the Saturday the waves were rolling through a 3ft face wave which was dumping on top of the shallow bank which made boats hesitate when heading out through the break. The 'M' can was in place and made it possible to win or lose a race with these extra turns. The commintator was having a field day as the racing was really close and boats were overtaking each other on just about on every corner. Black Pepper boat from NZ won the flipper award on the Saturday for flipping 3 times in one day. 

The Sunday surf X was even faster racing with the swell dropping with the tide but tricky conditions around 'A' and 'D' can where the rips were, it was really choppy and hard to judge. Boats still managed to roll over with the flipper award going to Head Case from the Aussie team flipping around 'E' can by himself, then hoping on top of his boat claiming his flip. There was lots of cheers from both teams on the beach when there side were victorious in each race. Great atmosphere on the beach. The presintations were held back at the Southport SLSC and also Fishermans Wharf Tavern throughout the weekend.

The Monday was the long haul with 24 boat lined up ready to race at once. This was a thrilling event with no prop guards on and the conditions were almost perfect. The flag droped and 24 boats headed for the first turn can. This was alot of fun. We had a helicopter flying around the boats taking video footage and photos of the boats in full flight. The Aussies came in first and second place in the long haul.

This was the biggest event that Thundercats has seen for some time in Australia and will now be a annuall event. Both teams are really happy with the rules and regulations and the sport will continue to grow. This has been some of the best racing i have ever seen and been involved and is great to see the Aussie team do so well.  

To view and purchase some photos of the weekend click here. More photos will be added shortly in the gallery.

A big THANKYOU goes to:-

Aussie team Captain:- Chris Thirkettle

NZ Trans Tasman organiser:- Steve Frogley

NZ team captain:- Tony Vercauteren

RD :- Gary Morrisson, Rob Thomas, Wal Dobrow, John Kerrisk

Score Girls from NZ team

Scruitneer Boats: - NZ Dave, Aus Mick

Shirts jackets and polos for Aus team: Renee Tesoriero

4WD ute for all the gear and boats up and down the beach:- Ryan Jermolenko

Safety boats:- Brissy team- joey, chris, tony,dazza,thomas and fat boy

Welder:- Marty Brettell

Beach officials:- Matt fallon, Aaron robinson, Tim Grinter, Tim Underwood, douglas, Fanning brothers

Sponsors:- Fishermans Wharf Tavern     Southport SLSC    Miami Shade and Sails

Thanks everyone for making this event happen...........................