Event Info - VÖOST Shaw and Partners Forster Race Week

Thank you for entering the VÖOST Shaw and Partners Forster Race Week.

A huge thank you to our co-naming sponsors VÖOST and Shaw and Partners, to the Town of Forster for having us and to all our other sponsors and supporters.

There is still time to train with some of the legends of the sport today at 2pm. Just meet right hand end of Forster Main Beach at 1.45pm, bring your paddling gear.

Due to Covid restrictions, Friday evening at Hamiltons (for Race 1 presentations and Race 2 briefing) will be restricted to 160 patrons at any one time. That will mean if it is full your will not get in until someone leaves so please make sure you are there early. Don’t forget to book for dinner if you wish to sty on after race briefing. Booking link below.

Race 1 will start at Forster Main Beach and finish at Black Head. Start time will still be 1pm (1300).

Conditions look to be a light to moderate SW wind which is ideal for that course.

Everything else will be as program at this stage. Stayed tuned for updates on Race 2 as this may change.

Please note – all competitors must carry their own water. There will be no water supplied after the race.

The event safety number is 0427 171 403 – please ensure you have this in your mobile phone for the race.

Registrations and Race Briefings

All competitors must register for the event as per the registration times below. You will be required to mark your name off the list before Race 1 and Race 2 so we know exactly who is racing.

If you are racing in both Race 1 and Race 2 you will be issued with one timing chip to be used for both races. It is your responsibility to ensure you do not lose your timing chip and you must wear it on your ankle for both races. At the conclusion of Race 2 you need to hand the timing chip back as soon as you cross the line. Any lost timing chips will incur a $50 fee.

If you are racing in Race 1 only then please ensure you hand the timing chip back as soon as you finish the race. All timing chips will be collected after Race 2.

Please ensure you attend the race briefings for final information.

Program

Time	Events	Location
Thursday 13th May
2.00pm Start (meet at 1.45pm)	VÖOST Training with the Stars	Forster Beach
6.00pm	Shaw and Partners presents ‘War Stories from the Water’	The Sicilian, Forster located on Forster Main Beach
Friday 14th May
10.00am to 12.00pm	Event Registration Both races at Forster	Forster Beach on grass area behind surf club
12.30pm	Race Briefing (start location)	Forster Main Beach
1.00pm	START: Race 1 – Shaw and Partners Nine Mile	Forster Main Beach
2.00pm onwards	FINISH: Race 1	Black Head Beach
4.00pm	Registration for Race 2 (for those only doing Race 2)	Hamilton’s Oyster Bar Restaurant
5.30pm	Presentations for Race 1	Hamilton’s Oyster Bar Restaurant
6.00pm	Race Briefing for Race 2	Hamilton’s Oyster Bar Restaurant
Saturday 15th May: Race 3
11.30pm	Race Registration (please try and do this on Friday prior)	Elizabeth Beach
12.30pm	Race Briefing	Elizabeth Beach
1:00pm	START: Race 2 – VÖOST Forster Ocean Classic	Elizabeth Beach
2.30pm onwards	FINISH: Race 2	Forster Beach
After race approx 4pm	Presentations	Forster Beach

Help us hold a Covid Safe Event

We are a registered Covid Safe business and we are dedicated to making the Bridge to the Beach a Covid Safe event. Please help us and follow these guidelines:

– Stay home if you are unwell and get tested

– Practice social distancing and stay 1.5m apart

– Wash hands frequently

– Please follow the direction of staff and Covid marshals

Mandatory Equipment and Rules

Please ensure you have the following equipment as we will be spot checking. Anyone who does not have the required equipment will be disqualified and not permitted to race.

Lifejacket
- All Lifejackets must be an approved Australian Standard AS 4758 or International Standard ISO 12402 Lifejacket.
- All surf ski, outrigger, plastic and sea kayak paddlers must wear an approved minimum Level 50 / Level 50S Lifejacket. Your lifejacket must be Hi-Vis or a Hi-Vis top is to be worn over the top of the lifejacket. No bum bag inflatable lifejackets are permitted.
- Prone paddleboard paddlers only are permitted to wear an approved Lifejacket Level 100/150 bum bag inflatable lifejacket. A Hi-Vis top must be worn.
Safety Leash – All competitors must be attached to their craft via a safety leash.
Flare – All competitors must have at least one current or unexpired orange smoke flare attached to their craft/person. The flare should be easily accessible when on the water. Ensure you are familiar with how to use a flare. These will be available to purchase when entering online.
Mobile Phone (using SafeTrx App) or VHF Radio or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) – All competitors are required to take one of these with them during the race. If using a mobile phone the SafeTrx Event tracking app is required and the event channel will be given to those using VHF Marine Radios. Click here for race day instructions for SafeTrx Tracking App.
Whistle – All competitors are required to have a pealess whistle attached to their Lifejacket.
Timing Chip – All competitors must wear the electronic timing chip on their ankle (right or left ankle). This will be provided at registration.

********Scrutineering of compulsory equipment may take place at registration on race morning. Please ensure you have the correct equipment

All competitors must abide by the following race rules:

Wear / carry the mandatory equipment as outlined above
Register for the event on the morning of the race and collect the timing chip
Attend the pre-race briefing prior to the start
Stop and help any other competitor/s in difficulty whilst on the course
Follow the event course at all times
Follow the direction of water safety officials at all times
If a competitor withdraws mid-event they must notify the event officials either in person or by phone to be formally withdrawn from the event.

SafeTrx Mobile Phone Tracking

You must ensure you use SafeTrx on race day if you are carrying a mobile phone.

CLICK HERE for the full instructions. If you need assistance please come and see us at registration or prior to the race.

Friday Evening at Hamilton’s Oysters Bar & Restaurant

Race 1 presentations and Race 2 briefing will take place at Hamilton’s as per program above. Be sure to book a table.

1 Palm Street, Tuncurry NSW 2428

Hamilton’s is an Iconic Restaurant on the banks of Wallis Lake. It is the home of East 33 Oysters and one of our favourite locations when visiting this region. Make sure you book in advance through the link below if you wish to book a table before, during or after the race presentations and briefing on Friday evening.