Clear winner for Great Australia Day Rotary Duck Race

This year’s Great Australia Day Rotary Duck Race was one of the smoothest races ever, much to the delight of Narooma Rotary organisers.

“What we love is how much our community has embraced this fun event attracting bumper crowds, possibly even more than previously,’ said Co-Race organiser Rotarian Mike Young. “Many helped the ducks to the starting line on the bridge and then dropped them over on the starting hoot from NSW Maritime’s vessel.

“We were concerned the southerly might impact the race. While some in the field did take the more scenic route under the boardwalk or into Mill Bay and were therefore disqualified, the bulk of the field stayed on course to the finish line.”

There was a clear winner – Duck 88 which crossed the line upside down showing the possible ‘winged keel’ effect. The winning ticket was held by Archie Huggins of the Southern Highland who wins $1,000.

The duck judged last was 171, held by Jenny Bainbridge of Mystery Bay who wins $100.

Narooma Rotary thanks all those who came out in kayaks, boats, and paddle-boards to assist with collecting the 1,000 ducks, as well as Marine Rescue and NSW Maritime. “We couldn’t run this great event without their assistance,” Mr Young said.

Proceeds this year will go towards Carers’ Accommodation at the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital (the Carers’ Accommodation is a Eurobodalla Rotary initiative) and prostate cancer research through the Narooma Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Above: Joint Coordinators of the Australia Day Rotary Duck Race Mike Young and Julie Hartley show the winning Duck 88 and the corresponding ticket held by Archie Huggins of the Southern Highlands.

Above: NSW Maritime and Marine Rescue as well as a flotilla of kayaks, paddle boards and other vessels helped with the collection after the race.