About the Mystique of this race called “George Bass Surfboat Marathon”?

The George Bass is one of those very special events that has something for every competitor and in fact all the extended team members. It is a challenging, competitive, tough and enjoyable event & something you can share with your Bass mates for the rest of your lives. Every season we have many opportunities to race a surfboat in standard competition around the country but you only get to race the George Bass every two years.

The reason it is held every two years is that it is a hard race but as importantly it is unique in the world of ocean rowing of any kind. For that reason we make sure it is well organised, the towns you visit along the track are ready to welcome you and the volunteers that make it all happen are fresh and ready to deliver this wonderful experience. It also requires a good amount of organisation from every entering club so by having a 24 month gap it gives you time to charge the batteries and prepare. 

The Commitment & Cost:
The cost of running a week long campaign is one of the considerations when entering this event. Crews do it differently depending on the level of outside support you have but what you need to consider includes:

• Camping – every night is spent in camps that we have organised at a range of either schools or council parks but in every case camping if free. We move about 4 times over the 7 days so you will need some on ground crew assistance
• This will include someone to tow the surfboat trailer between start and finish line each day. You will also have a powerboat backup so another person will be needed to drive that trailer each day as well.
• It is best to have a camp boss who will look after the logistics and make sure that the all important food is ready on time
• These roles can of course be something that mates or partners handle as part of the on ground team
• You will need to have tents, vans etc to sleep in. The two most popular options are either a large shared tent or the smaller two person jobs
• Something you may like to consider is some trained medical support for the rowers in the form Masseuse or Physio

So the costs will include:

• Food for the week, either subsidized or paid by the members
• Fuel for the backup boat and support vehicle again depending on your level of support

As a guide the Vikings who regularly enter this event have always run with both a male and female team and the total cost for the week for two teams is in the order of $5000. This team includes 2 powerboats with boat drivers and trailer drivers, a football type trainer, Camp boss and several camp helpers so when considered it is relatively cheap to run a camp of 16 rowers, two sweeps and camp support.

What types of crews enter the George Bass?
Basically everybody from the most competitive sprint racing crews, through your regular club crew to the Vets have a place in this race. The wonderful thing about the George Bass is that it hosts races within races. You will always find another group of crews regardless of you overall race position that will be pushing you along each day. We usually meet a range of open water conditions during the week so where else can you test yourself under race conditions for 3 hours a day in every downwind, crosswind and upwind type of sea?

The race is traditionally about club crews. That is a mix of your Open men in with the Reggie’s or age group or any other combination that suits your club. In the men you need a minimum of 6, maximum of 8 rowers while the gals have a minimum of 8 rowers.

This year we have been asked to consider allowing for composite crews. That is a mix of Male/Female from the one club and this is currently being favorably looked at by the committee. In the past we have also accepted entries from two clubs combining to form the one team either men or women which will again be allowed under the rules this year.
The important thing is that we reserve the right to only accept 35 entries so the sooner you show your intention to enter the better for securing your spot.

Help is available to you:
One of the great things about the Surf Clubs along this stretch of the South Coast of NSW is that they are all experienced and willing to help visiting crews. So if you need assistance with any aspect of your logistics or a host club to support you with say, camping or maybe help to secure a powerboat as backup we can help, all you need do is ask. This race is so popular that we have powerboat owners offering to assist visiting crews. If you have any question at all about the George Bass go to the link and use the contact list where you will get as much help as you need.

Click HERE to visit the George Bass Surfboat Marathon website where you'll find everything you need to know, including the 2010 Entry Form!