The first crew rigged Ariki in darkness and launched 40 minutes before sunrise. Tony was determined to paddle the distance without a break and they set a rapid rate from the get -go. Sharon had steered a record breaking crossing to Meelup in 2018, arriving 2 hours and 32 minutes after launching. Ariki pushed up the Meelup sand 2 hours and 29 minutes after leaving the GBYC, a new crossing record.
A hint of sunrise behind the first crew…
Tony celebrates their arrival…
The return crew managed an incredible paddling time of 2 hours 55 minutes (probably even faster than crew # 1 but…, well, there were breaks to be taken – dehydration, snakes, multi-coloured pythons to be eaten, shark sitings, pee breaks, marine scenic viewing opportunities, chats with passing fishermen, etc. etc.). It all adds up you know. 🙂
