From the Organisers:
Be Part of History - March 18
Paddle Across The Bay
Registrations are now open at
www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=20680& and
www.trybooking.com/20680 for The Mad Paddle. This is a charity "down winder" across the bay finishing at Sandringham Yacht Club.
Imagine crossing the bay, with not only the Coast Guard and Hampton Lifesaving Club as backup, but also an escort vessel, with medical support on hand! Sandringham Yacht Club are providing escort vessels.
We are planning to start the event at around 5.30am at Indented Head, with Werribee River and Mornington as contingent starts. At over 30 kms, this will make The Mad Paddle the longest organized event of its kind and the first authorized and supported crossing. Port of Melbourne, Regional Channels Authority and Parks Vic have authorized the crossing of the shipping channel.
Act fast!
The Mad Paddle will be capped at the first 50 paddlers (teams and individuals) who register. Teams will consist of maximum 2 paddlers, sharing one board. Choose to paddle as an individual, or part of a 2 member team. No problems if you don't have a pair, we will find one for you. Where possible we will be matching paddlers in terms of ability. Stronger paddlers will be matched with weaker paddlers. Remember it is not a race. It is about fun, safety and paddling!
Each paddler will be required to raise a minimum of $250 (fully tax deductible) to participate in the event. There will also be a $50 registration fee. The registration fee will go towards fuel costs on the day. Some of the escort vessels will be using up to $500 in fuel.
Free courtesy bus to the start for the first 50 paddlers that register!
After Party!
The paddle will finish at around 12 noon with a family BBQ (drinks available) at the Sandringham Yacht Club, complete with live and silent auctions. Everyone is welcome!
Charity
ALL funds raised will buy much needed equipment for the Sandringham Hospital.
Support
We are fortunate to have the support of some high profile local Bayside residents to act as ambassadors for the event: Mark Bradtke,(who is also paddling) Sally Cockburn (Dr Feelgood and Healthy Parks, Healthy People Ambassador) and local comedian Tim Smith MCing at the BBQ. Tammy Van Wisse and Andrew Robb have committed to participating in the last leg either as a swim or a paddle. Yachting Victoria is also providing last leg escort. We also have strong interest (awaiting confirmation) from some AFL players and other high profile athletes. Always looking for more - the more the merrier!
