One hundred and thirty eight crews travelled from as far away as Noosa in the north and North Wollongong in the south to battle it out for a share in the $8000 pool to take home to their clubs.

The first three rounds were held on the Saturday, with testing conditions making for some exciting viewing. 

By Sunday the surf had settled a little and the last three rounds and finals were held without incident, with local crews from Pacific Palms, Cape Hawke and Forster performing strongly.

In the open men’s event, Bulli Gelcons came first, with the Mermaid Beach Kennards Hire team close behind and the Palm Beach Pigeons in third.

Palm Beach Patriots took out the open women’s event, with North Narrabeen Broad Beans coming second and Avalon Beach Amigos taking third.

The Queenscliff 10 Dollar Steaks took the title in the under 19 men’s, followed by the Palm Beach Pickle Ricks and South Curl Curl Slickers.

Avoca Beach Vagabonds were undefeated in the under 19 women’s competition, with Noosa Spangled Drongos coming second, and Queenscliff Red Rockets third.

In the under 23 men’s event Ocean Beach Headomy came first, followed by Bulli Basil Spice and Palm Beach Paperclips in third.

In the same event for the women, North Bondi Shredders took the top spot, with Avoca JOTOs in second and Newport WhipRays third.

The reserve men’s event saw the Avoca Beach Hiatus come in first, followed by Newport Sea Cucumbers and Avalon Beach Tow Balls.

The women’s reserve event was taken out by Palm Beach Part-timers, followed by Palm Beach Pineapples and Collaroy Knickers.

In the masters men’s event, first place was taken by Manly Ferries, with Queenscliff Mouldy Muffins in second and Mona Vale Masters of the Universe third.

Bondi 1100 came first in the masters women’s event, followed by Avalon Beach Antiques and Avalon Beach DBs in third.

The under 19 event, Robbo’s Race, was again a hotly contested affair. This event holds a special place in the heart of Pacific Palms Surf Club members. It was named in honour of Rob Scott, a former member of Pacific Palms SLSC and Australian Champion under 19 surfboat rower, who was the victim of a one punch attack in the USA several years ago. 

We were delighted to have Robbo award the medals for the Under 19 category.

Another event close to the hearts of Pacific Palms and the surf boat rowing fraternity was the Tim Knight Memorial Club Relay, named in honour of Tim Knight, another Pacific Palms SLSC Champion surfboat rower who was tragically killed some years ago. 

This year the event was won by Palm Beach SLSC, with Avoca Beach SLSC placing second and last year’s winner Collaroy SLSC coming third.

Thanks to all the crews who competed, the officials, water safety and the wonderful members of Pacific Palms SLSC who worked so hard to make the event possible. 

The Battle of the Boats brings over 1000 visitors to Pacific Palms annually and is a terrific boost for the local economy.

Also, a huge thankyou to our event sponsors: Pacific Palms Real Estate, Bluey’s Retreat, Bluey’s Cellars and Deli, NBN News, the Pacific Palms Recreation Club, Millers Turf, Hawksbury Paintball, NBN News, JR Richards Waste and Recycling Services, Pacific Palms Resort and Frothy Coffee Boatshed.