Sunset Bay Outrigger Canoe Club had a stellar showing at the 2025 Sydney Harbour Challenge, taking on tough conditions over three days of intense racing against Australia’s best and international competitors.
The event kicked off on Friday with a 13km race on Sydney Harbour, where paddlers faced a dramatic ‘white-out’ as heavy rain reduced visibility. Despite the challenging conditions, the Sunset Bay Masters Mixed crew powered through, completing the course in an impressive 1 hour and 6 minutes, securing a silver medal in their division. The result was even more remarkable considering it was the first time this crew had paddled together.
On Saturday, Sunset Bay was represented by two strong Senior Masters Mixed crews in the 22km race outside the Sydney Harbour Heads. Battling demanding offshore conditions, both crews had an exhilarating finish, crossing the line just two seconds apart. With times of 1 hour 59 minutes 20 seconds and 1 hour 59 minutes 22 seconds, their performances would have placed them on the podium based on 2024 results. This time, they finished third and fourth in their division, earning a hard-fought bronze medal for Sunset Bay.
Later on Saturday, as winds intensified, the Golden Masters Men’s crew faced the most gruelling conditions of the weekend. After ‘huliing’ (capsizing) at the Heads, they persevered but were only able to complete 15km of the 22km course. With some paddlers in this crew over 70 years old, their determination on the water was truly inspirational.
Sunday saw Sunset Bay paddler Mark Bell take on the 18km OC1 downwind race in the Golden Masters Men’s division, finishing in fourth place. Summing up the challenge, he admitted, “It was a struggle out there today.”
The Sunsetters are now in training to compete in the North Qld zone regatta when they head to Airlie Beach on May long weekend.
Sunset Bay Outrigger Canoe Club showcased incredible resilience and skill at the 2025 Sydney Harbour Challenge, securing silver and bronze medals while battling tough conditions over three days of intense racing. Photos supplied
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