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Re:Ocean Thunder - 2007/12/16 08:56
December 15, 2007
THRILLS AND SPILLS AS DEE WHY TURNS IT ON FOR OCEAN THUNDER
DECEMBER 15, 2007: There were thrills and spills galore when the cream of Australia’s professional surf boat crews conquered treacherous conditions at Sydney’s Dee Why Beach today (Saturday).
The surf was that rough that Warringah Shire Council lifeguards closed the beach to the general public.
But it did not deter the 24 men’s and 12 women’s elite surf boat crews contesting the second round of the $100,000 Evive Ocean Thunder Pro Surf Boat Series.
There were spectacular wipe outs and roll-overs with Chris Fleming’s Manly Aluminum Windows (South Curl Curl) crew failing to negotiate the heavy seas in a spectacular women’s final.
Earlier in the day the Gavin Hunt swept Dial Before Your Dig (Moruya) crew nose-dived into the Dee Why sandbank in another “ouch” moment that thrilled the large crowd who packed the beach for an action-packed afternoon.
The double-race men’s final was a classic confrontation of six boats against the elements with the conditions favouring those crews drawn at the southern end – Skilled (Avoca) and Your Style (North Curl Curl).
Ego Platinum (Austinmer) and Ego (Pacific Palms) showed all their strength and prowess to power their way through the sets to be on level pegging with the leaders at the end of the first leg.
But in the end it was Skilled (Avoca), swept by Richard Brierty and Your Style (North Curl Curl) with the experience of cagey sweep, Australian champion Sean Stacey in control, who staged a neck-and-neck dog fight to the finish.
Skilled won out in the end from Your Style with Ego third ahead of Ego Platinum, Universal Resort Living/Banana Boat (Bronte) and Skilled (Avalon).
Meanwhile the NR Perry (Currumbin) crew, swept by Australian championship winning sweep Lyle Clarke produced an outstanding display to master the pounding two-metre conditions and land their maiden major victory.
Defending champions Manly-Warringah Credit Union (Queenscliff), swept by Matt Hamilton finished second ahead Red Steer Hotel (Wagga), with the legendary eight-time National champion Don McManus at the helm.
Three crews in the final, Dial BeforeYou Dig (Moruya), PLC Panz (Jan Juc) and Manly-Warringah Aluminium Windows (South Curl Curl) all rolled, capsizing in the swirling white water.
There were early casualties as sweeps struggled to control their boats with over 20 boats capsizing in the tricky conditions.
Two of the best men’s crews in nation 2005 champions Stockland (Currumbin) and two-time Australian champions and round one winners Pure Blonde (North Cottesloe) were both eliminated before the quarter-finals.
“There was carnage all over the beach – it was a matter of survival,” said Gold Coast sweep and event marketing manager Peter Hickey.
“Bumps and bruises were the order of the day and it was a credit to the crews who survived. The standard of sweeping and rowing was first class in close to the toughest conditions we’ve had in three years.
“But it’s these kind of days that we all dream about – for these guys it’s a case of the bigger the better.”
Hickey gave particular praise to the women’s crews who although slower than the men, rowed cautiously but with skill and tenacity.
“I think these women’s crews really turned a few heads out there today – showing they can master the rough conditions,” said Hickey.
“Full credit to them – I think the women have arrived in the sport in a big way.”
The made-for-television series is now in it’s third season and there is every chance organisers will consider taking the event to big wave venues in Victoria and Queensland next year.
Ocean Thunder will also make it’s international debut next year with Ocean Thunder Europe set down for Biarritz, France next September.
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