Once again the Hamilton Island Cup is over for another year. Congratulation to all competitors, and special congratulations to all podium finishers.

Quite windy conditions for the first 2 days resulted in alternative courses being utilized (following risk assessments by all key parties). Safety for all competitors is always our primary concern and this sometimes results is less “challenging” courses for our elite paddlers. We appreciate the flexibility shown by our elite paddlers to ensure all paddlers can enjoy racing at Hamilton Island. We are looking however at some different options for alternate courses for future events, to cater to all levels of competition.

Fortunately however, the alternative course did provide some awesome footage for Channel 7 during the Women’s OC6 16km marathon.

As Race Director I would like to thank sincerely the following groups and individuals.

· Hamilton Island Enterprises Limited and Hamilton Island Outrigger Canoe Club who once again were great to work with and very supportive of this regatta.

· The Mackay Surf Lifesaving Rescue Team

· The AOCRA NQ Zone On Water Team

· The AOCRA NQ Zone race administration team

· Paul Green …results

· Tania Moohin ….race administrator and Katrina Sullivan ….State Centre admin officer

An awesome team …looking forward already to next year.

Congratulations to TEAM AUSTRALIA - the AOCRA women’s team selected to represent Australia at Molokai in September this year. The girls finished first across the line in the 42K Changeover event after a very competitive race with Surfers Paradise. Both teams broke the existing record for the race. Well done to both teams. Patterson Lakes from Victoria should be extremely proud of their 3^rd placing in such an elite field.

In the Men’s division Team Australia did not compete. This event was won convincingly by Outrigger Australia with Northcliffe in second. Coffs Coast came third. All results AND THE VIDEO are available under “News”.

While the nominations from overseas club were down this year …..it was great to see an increase in paddler numbers from Western Australia, whilst Tasmania was strongly represented for the first time.

The Hamilton Cup Changeover Race is also the AOCRA National Titles Changeover event. To be eligible you must nominate on the nomination form as a pure club team. Congratulations to Brisbane OCC who took out the overall Changeover Club Champion Trophy.

Dates for Hamilton Cup 2011 are 16^th to 19^th June 2011.

With winter now upon us, many clubs will be having a short break before the start of the OC1/OC2 series racing in September.

For those clubs that are continuing to paddle during Winter, please ensure all craft are well lit for early morning/late afternoon training sessions. And that all sessions are logged and approved by your club coaches.

Stay safe in our oceans and waterways.