Boaties Business – 23 October

Mullalloo’s Boaties enjoyed a massive start to the 22/23 competitive season last weekend at the first Team Navy Carnival hosted by Coogee SLSC.

Mullaloo fielded nine of the thirty crews competing in the event. Three U19 crews and six Opens crews showed the neighbouring clubs just how we do Team Work, with all hands on deck to help spent crews at the end of their races, move boats to correct cairns for their next start, and to cheer each other across the finish line.

Together with good team spirt came strong team results – The Under 19 Women’s event was won by Mullaloo’s The Little Mermaids on their very first Carnival race – Congratulations to the girls and their sweep Duncan Gemmel. Mullaloo’s Misfits could be more aptly named Miss Fit – these girls came in for second place to secure bragging rights for their club. Big shout out to the brand new U19 team from Quinn’s Rocks SLSC who enjoyed coming in third to round out the places.

Mullaloo U23 Women’s Usain Boat are eagerly awaiting arrival of their latest import, Hannah Wells of Albany SLSC. They fielded an Opens crew for the Coogee carnival, making good use of the enthusiasm, skill, and knowledge of veteran rower Dara Mills. Newly-formed Mullaloo SeaGals (sweep Darren Protzman), established Masters Mullaloo Marlins (Sweep Richard Calnon) and revamped Mullaloo Still Salty also competed in the Open Women’s event. Still Salty, under guidance of sweep Stuart Clarke, stuck to their game plan, winning each heat and going on to take the Women’s Open A Final in the last race of the day. Hat’s off to Stuart Clarke, between the U19, Opens Men and Women’s heats and Finals, he swept 13 races!! Well done.

Men’s U19 Mullaloo Storm Bringers, big brother crew of The Little Mermaids, competed in the Opens Men’s division. They demonstrated they can hold their own against rowers with years of experience by taking out first place in the Men’s Open B Final – a big congratulations to these young men! Competing alongside were Party’s Sore Oars (Sweep Steve Part) and Mullaloo Wizards (sweep Stuart Clarke) who made it through to the A Final.

22/23 Season Coogee Comp Results Summary:

U19 Female Final

• 1st – Mullaloo Little Mermaids
• 2nd – Mullaloo Misfits

Open Female A Final

• 1st – Mullaloo Still Salty

Open Female B Final

• 3rd – Mullaloo SeaGals
• 4th – Mullaloo Usain Boat
• 5th – Mullaloo Little Mermaids

Open Male A Final

• 4th – Mullaloo Wizards

Open Male B Final

• 1st – Mullaloo Stormbringers
• 5th – Mullaloo Party’s Sore Oars

For other recent Boatie achievements – congratulations to Duncan Gemmel and Darren Protzman, who recently demonstrated their skills in high surf conditions at Secret Harbour to become S3 level qualified sweeps. Great work guys!

We are also looking for volunteers to help out with officiating, line judging, marshalling etc. If you are keen to become an official is Surf lifesaving, the boat arena is the perfect place for you! Contact Richard Calnon for more details!

Are you keen to jump in a boat and see what all the fuss is about? Keep an eye on our Facebook group ‘Mullaloo Boaties’ – where we will post details of our Sunday morning ‘All-in’ rows. The perfect place to start your rowing journey with Mullaloo!

Thank you to Courtney Brennan for capturing the event and for the awesome photographs. Courtney shares her artwork and photographs on Instagram @courtneys_art_and_illustration