The Epic Kayaks Doctor 2015
Incorporating the Starboard SUP Challenge
Race # 6 Muscle Milk Australian Ocean Racing Series
Saturday 28th November 2015
*******Due to a strong wind forecast there is a very big possibility that the race will start earlier than it has in the past. For SUPs please be ready to race by 11.15am. All other craft by 11.45am.
The Doctor is now in its 15th year. We would like to thank all that have helped to make this the biggest ocean paddling race in the World. We are on track to see around 400 competitors on the line this weekend among them some of the best ocean athletes on the planet. We have enlisted the support of Northport Marine and feel very secure in the knowledge that they will be able to handle all safety aspects of the event.
When on the water it is important to obey the instructions of the safety personal and government vessels on the course. It is also important to look after each other, its only 27 kilometres from Rottnest to the mainland but when you are in trouble it feels like a thousand kilometres.
We are doing everything we can to make this event as smooth as possible for all involved so if you get the chance please be there for the loading and unloading of trailers and barges etc as this make the whole thing run a lot better.
Barge Loading – Transport of your craft to Rottnest
Craft will be loaded from 2.30pm onwards on Friday at Pelagic Marine Services 24 Rous Head Rd North Fremantle (same location as last year). Please bring 2 straps or pieces of rope to secure your craft to the racks. Be aware that it might be difficult to get the strap or rope back so use older ones if possible.
You must have pre-booked craft transport when entering online. Craft that are not booked and arrive at the loading on Friday will be charged an additional $20. Any craft that arrive at loading unbooked will have to wait until the last booked craft are loaded to ensure we have space and will not be guaranteed a spot
Registration & Race Briefing at Sorrento Beach SLSC
Registrations will open from 12pm on Friday with a final compulsory race briefing at 6.30pm. This will enable you to register, drop your craft off to the barge and get back to the briefing at 6.30pm. This will take place at Sorrento SLSC.
From 5.30pm Sorrento SLSC will be serving a $15 PASTA MEAL and will have drinks available. So we can cater for numbers if you plan on eating at the club please send a quick email barmanager@sorrentoslsc.org.au or TEXT 0437 453 884.
Ferry to Rottnest – Saturday morning
Please ensure you get the early ferry to Rottnest on Saturday morning. Rottnest Fast Ferries departs Hillarys Marina at 7.30am. Book by calling 08 9246 1039 and mention you are a competitor for the Doctor to get the special rate. Rottnest Express also operates from Fremantle. Check website for details.
Take as little as possible because we have no way of getting your bags back to the mainland. Don’t forget rudders, paddle, timing chip, race hat, lifejacket, leashes, flare and sponsor stickers to be put on your craft.
When you arrive on Rottnest we will need assistance to unload the barge that will be at the main jetty when you arrive.
Once all craft is unloaded and rudders are put on the craft please make your way over to Army Jetty. Army Jetty is located one kilometre South of the main Ferry Jetty at Thompson Bay.
Safety Equipment & Rules
Scrutineering by event officials and marine safety will take place on Rottnest Island where all competitors will be checked for correct equipment. Any competitor that does not have the correct safety equipment will be disqualified. Scrutineering will take place during check in on Rottnest Island. See below.
Compulsory Equipment list:
- Lifejacket (PFDs) must be level 50 or 50S (type 2 or 3). SUP paddlers only are permitted to wear Lifejacket Type 1 bumb bag inflatables.
- Flares – everyone must carry an orange smoke flare – one per craft.
- Leashes– everyone must wear a leash during the event.
- Timing Chip – you will be given this on Friday at rego. Put it on your ankle first thing on Saturday morning (or if you are very forgetful put it on Friday night and don’t take it off!)
- A HI VIS RACE HAT is required to be worn. These will be provided at registration.
Check in on Rottnest Island
For the first time we will be doing check in on Rottnest Island. This means that all competitors need to be formally checked into the race and timing system. This is an important safety requirement so we know exactly who is out on the course.
Check in will take place at the Army Jetty.
- SUPs and Paddleboards will be checked in at 11.00am
- OC1s, Plastics,Sea Kayaks and ladies at 11.15am
- All other craft at 11.30am
Briefing on Rottnest & Start Waves
Briefing will take place at the Army Jetty. There will be three start waves:
- Wave 1: SUPs and Paddleboards
- Wave 2: OC1s, plastics, sea kayaks and ladies
- Wave 3: All other categories
The Course
The course, at this stage, will be the traditional course starting at the Army Jetty turning left around the marker at Phillip Rock then keeping to the South of the Centaur Marker directly West of Trigg and making your way to Sorrento Beach. At this point there will be no additional Buoys on the course.
Private escort boats
Any competitors with private escort boats must be operated by registered certified skippers. We are required by waterway authorities to notify them of all private escort boats. Please email or phone us with the name and phone number of the skipper. Email contact@oceanpaddler.com
Presentations at Sorrento Beach SLSC
Presentations will be at approx. 6.30pm on Saturday evening. There will be food and drink available at the surf club.
Event Contact numbers
Dean Gardiner 0427 171 403
Yanda Morison 0414 45 46 48
Good luck to all competitors. See you on Friday night at registration and race briefing.
****EVENT UPDATES- Please check the program page on the website for updates
https://oceanpaddler.com/events/the-doctor/program-of-events/
