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Sunny for boat race

Holly ThompsonManjimup-Bridgetown Times
Chris Johnson and Jacob Paggi, who won the super standard category with a time of 51 minutes and 26 seconds.
Camera IconChris Johnson and Jacob Paggi, who won the super standard category with a time of 51 minutes and 26 seconds. Credit: Holly Thompson

Heavy rain held off on Sunday morning in Bridgetown for the Sunnyside Boat Race, which took place through 38km of the Blackwood River.

High water levels meant the race started at Sunnyside Oval and headed upstream to Winnejup Falls.

Boats started at Sunnyside Oval and headed upstream to Winnejup Falls.
Camera IconBoats started at Sunnyside Oval and headed upstream to Winnejup Falls. Credit: Holly Thompson

Event organiser Nick Uyen said the race included many different obstacles which made it exciting for both the competitors and spectators.

“There are lots of log jumps and a couple of rapids as well which make for good challenges,” he said.

Rapids was just one of many obstacles faced by competitors in the race.
Camera IconRapids was just one of many obstacles faced by competitors in the race. Credit: Holly Thompson
Another boat takes on the rapids.
Camera IconAnother boat takes on the rapids. Credit: Holly Thompson

“We also have lots of new members this year and good numbers taking part in the race, on par with last year really, which is great to see.”

The race was broken down into three different categories — standard, super standard and sports.

“Standard is the entry-level class and boats are only allowed to have aluminium propellers, super standard is our middle class and boats are allowed to have aluminium or stainless-steel propellers from limited brands,” Mr Uyen said.

“Sports is the elite class and the boats can have a larger carburettor and any brand or type propeller and you accrue points in race wins and have to have a set amount of points to be able move up through the classes.”

Matt Even and Nick Gardiner came second in the sports category with a time of 47 minutes.
Camera IconMatt Even and Nick Gardiner came second in the sports category with a time of 47 minutes. Credit: Holly Thompson
Matt Thur and Jake Whatley came third in the Sports category with a time of 48 minutes and 15 seconds.
Camera IconMatt Thur and Jake Whatley came third in the Sports category with a time of 48 minutes and 15 seconds. Credit: Holly Thompson

Overall there were 35 boats entered in the race this year across the three categories, which meant 70 people in total took part.

Results:

Sports:

1st: Jay Branson and Justin Furgison, Time: 46:30. 2nd Matt Even and Nick Gardiner, Time: 47:00. 3rd: Matt Thur and Jake Whatley, Time: 48:15.

Super Standard:

1st: Chris Johnson and Jacob Paggi , Time: 51:26. 2nd: Darren Green and Nick Uyen, Time: 54:46. 3rd: Steven Heath and Nathan Altinier, Time: 56:00.

Standard:

1st: Graham Butt and Michael Ryan, Time: 54.15. 2nd: Tim James and Ed Vaneer, Time: 59:47. 3rd: Jon Mcburney and Corey Scott, Time, 1:00:10.

Steven Heath and Nathan Altinier came third in the Super Standard category with a time of 56 minutes.
Camera IconSteven Heath and Nathan Altinier came third in the Super Standard category with a time of 56 minutes. Credit: Holly Thompson

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