The 9th annual Macleay Island Classic has been run and won, and for the first time the event was held over two days May 13 and 14.
It turned out to be a wise decision and made the weekend into a Carnival of Paddling.
On the Saturday the slower races, the relay and the Stand-up Paddlers’ events were held.
The highlight of this first day was the Dragon Boating.
Members of the Bribie Island, Gold Coast and Redland Bay Clubs descended on Macleay Island which, with the Tingira Dragons, meant about 80 paddlers on the water.
It was a magnificent sight with so many people out on the calm Bay waters having fun.
The Relay Race was once again won by the Barracoutas, a local team from Macleay Island. The Stand-up Paddlers was won by Julienne White.
Sunday brought another day with the main event to be contested.
At the start of the race 50 paddlers in a variety of crafts headed south to circumnavigate Macleay Island, a distance of 15km.
One hour and six minutes later, Brad Hagan was the first paddler across the line; very close to a record for the race.
Three minutes later Matthew O’Garey came in second, closely followed by the first female, Tegan Fraser.
This was definitely a record time for a female in the race.
Both Brad and Tegan flew back from Melbourne to be part of the race.
Paddlers travelled great distances to be part of the Classic, coming from Coffs Harbour, the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
Next year will be the tenth anniversary and planning is already taking place to make this a bigger and better carnival.
The Macleay Island Classic is supported by the Redland City Council and many local businesses and organisations. Without their support the Classic would not exist.
Sponsors included Redland City Council, Bay Island Early Learning Centre, Bay Island Golf Club, Lee’s Liquid Waste, The Friendly Bay Islander, The Haven Gallery, Macleay Island Pharmacy, Bayair Transfers, Aussie Whip Maker, SMBI Dive Service, Macleay Island Gifts and Stationery.
• Battling out in the Tingira Classic!
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