Race News

(added 11th May 2006)

Grizzlies Dominant at Long Distance Nationals

After success in the National Sprints and Tauranga, it was no surprise when the Grizzlies also took gold at the Long Distance Nationals.

Three Grizzlie teams took on the challenge of the 28km course in challenging South Westerly conditions, Gold and Green in the Senior Masters, with Grizzlies White competing in the Master Mens.

The first leg from Narrowneck Beach north was a challenging surfing leg to a point just south of Long Bay. Grizzlies gold started well, staying closer inshore and using the swell to gain a good lead on their competition. After turning the top mark Grizzlie White closed the gap between them and Gold and were neck and neck with Manukau their main rivals in the MM division after Team Phoenix had gained a commanding lead.

After 20k just 5 boat lengths separated Grizzlies Gold and White and for a short period a race within a race developed. Despite the best efforts of White Grizzlies Gold pulled away strongly and finished the race in clear first position in the SMM division and a good 3 minutes ahead of a strong finishing Grizzlies White.

It was Grizzlies Gold (Bunny, Daryl, Ken, Eddie, John, Bush) that starred on the day winning the gold in the SMM division in a time of 2hrs 34mins 38sec. Congratulations Gold, a great effort securing the win with excellent crew-work and composure under pressure conditions.

Grizzlies White picked up a Bronze medal in the MM division just under 2 minutes behind Manukau and taking many positives from the event.  Grizzlies Green finishing in a time of 2.49.14 coming in 5th in the SMM division.

Congratulations once again to all Grizzlie crews, and most especially to our Long Distance National Champions - Grizzlies GOLD!