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W Australia: Competitors were treated to an unusually calm Cape in this
years running of the King of the Cape. In what
was a rare occurrence for this part of the coast, the usual strong south
westers and big swell were replaced by moderate offshores and flat seas.
 Brendan Sarson wins the King of the Cape (Pic: Andrew Connolly)
After hours of pressure from me and others (to no avail),
event organizer Ash Nesbit held firm and stuck with the original course. We had
tried to get Ash to turn the race around utilizing the winds blowing across Geograph Bay. While this would have made for a
more fun downwind race it would have taken away from the challenge of the
completing the journey around the cape.
With this in mind all competitors accepted the decision
(although grudgingly from my perspective) and lined up for the 18km headwind
bash.
Speedsters Michael "Gollum" Baker and ironman Brendon Sarson
took the lead early in the race, with myself, Dean Beament and Andrew "Peck" Stevens hanging on the wash. The later
trio was soon relegated to making our own pack as the youngsters took turns at
smashing our comfortable little wave to bits with their constant turns of
speed.
(Photos below from Andrew Connolly: Brendon Sarson in the yellow shirt; Michael Baker in the Honcho Oceans Pro.)
As this race had the "Cash to Compete" incentive on it the
two leaders were pretty keen to secure the $1000 to turn up in Dubai and compete in the Shamaal. Midway
through the race Stevens's boat developed rudder problems
which effectively knocked him out of contention.
On rounding the Cape and
with the finish line in sight, Sarson put on a burst of speed giving him a 50
meter advantage over the tiring Baker. Sarson held the lead into the beach
picking up the prize with Baker, myself and Dean Beament finishing in that
order.
It was a good turnout for the first race of the WA season.
Some competitors had opted not to compete due to having to back up for the
Anaconda Adventure Race the next day. Subsequently they were labeled as
soft%$&*s by the guys that did both days and probably
wont miss next years event.
Natasha Leaversuch continued her good form taking out the
womens event. One thing that was good to see was the amount of girls that took
on this race. In a sport that has been typically male dominated there was solid
turnout from the ladies with quite a few of the younger girls competing.
Results Summary
- Brendon Sarson Fenn
- Michael Baker Honcho
OP
- Dean Gardiner Fenn
- Dean Beament Fenn
Ladies
- Natasha Leaversuch Fenn
- Ruth Hyman Spec
- Lisa Olenhof Fenn
- Hailey McGinty Fenn
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Just a quick question, are you guys pretty relaxed with the use of lifejackects? It appears that all have duct taped them down behind yourselves.
Maybe us Saffas could tweak the PFD rule.
Jamii