The Nauti'Gals all-women's racing team went proudly to race at Harrison Hot Springs on the July 25th weekend.
Their competing skills were put to the test in more ways than one.
While the Sunshine Coast enjoyed the Sea Cavalcade festivities, the Nauti'Gals were battling their first two races of the morning with mixed teams for qualifying times.Heading into the semifinals, their third race had them defending their position at the start line - not only from strong cross winds and back-eddies, but from a team in the adjacent lane who were determined to continue unsportsman-like tactical behaviour by becoming too 'up close and personal'.
"Oblivious, the starter called the race and it became literally,paddle to paddle combat," said team spokesperson Nanette Walker. "We maintained our cool. Those on the left all paddled while those on the right who could find some water amongst the paddle attack bravely forged along with bruised knuckles, hands and dented paddles. Eventually the opposing team pulled away."
Nauti'Gals found their course, managing to catch up with the rest of the fleet.
Walker said a verbal protest was made to officials after that heat. With turning weather, came the team's last race, the women's B division final. This found the Nauti'Gals with negative energies turned and positively directed to moving forward, racing one of the best races ever - finishing second,just two stokes behind first place.
"Lots of new things were learned from the events of the day," said Walker. "The verbal protest had a positiveripple effect through to the starting line whereby observations and instructions became more thorough andserved as areminder to all about respect for the line of tactics and safety. Apart from the technical and tactical manoeuvres of other teams, the Nauti'Gals learned that they have forged a strong committed team with a huge heart of true sportsmanship, and they paddle with their heads held high."
- Submitted
