Sun, Surf and Success at Club Champs!
January 9, 2025
Superfishing at Lorne and Team Building at Anglesea
January 15, 2025
A huge congratulations to our two Portsea Open Women’s surf boat teams who have taken first and second place in the Open Women’s division of the 7-day Bass Surf Boat and Ski Marathon. The race began in Bateman’s Bay on the 29th December, and concluded in Eden on the 4th January. The 190km distance, and challenging waters of NSW’s Sapphire Coast make it the longest, toughest surf boat race in the world.
The George Bass Surfboat Marathon, run every two years, commenced in 1975, making this year its 50th anniversary. Portsea member Richard (Tricky) Fisher participated in the first race, which was commemorated with row-around and “oars up” on the first day of the 2025 event.
Surf ski’s and Women’s surf boat crews were introduced to the event in 1997. Women initially rowed the last two legs, then increased to every second day, and began completing the full course from 2010. Our two Portsea Open Women’s teams comprised Portsea members, and long-time friends and ex-crew mates from other clubs:
Stephen Blewett (Portsea)
Scarlett Blewett (Portsea)
Alexandra Hagan (Portsea)
Katrina Bateman (Beaumaris)
Elizabeth Dwyer (Portsea)
Jacqui Darby (Portsea)
Ellen McNamara (Portsea)
Hally Chapman (North Cronulla)
Kate McNamara (Portsea)
Support boat: Chris (Beaver) Pyke (Bronte), Peter Dezerker (Bronte), Shaun Pyke.
Brett Mazouris (Jan Juc)
Jess Kelleher (Mordialloc)
Sophie Scaff (Mordialloc)
Lara Jeffery (Anglesea)
Melissa Russell (Torquay)
Jay Lambert (Portsea/North Curl Curl)
Amanda Rukuwai (Portsea/Mooloolaba)
Cindy Plowman (Rosebud-McRae)
Victoria Robinson (North Curl Curl)
Support Boat: Scott & Jude Tannahill (Anglesea)
Rowers were supported by partners, children, parents, and friends totalling 60 people! The group are tremendously grateful to Stephen, Scarlett and Rhonda Blewett for coordinating training, entries, camp and the deliciously wonderful food throughout the week!
