Atrocious conditions forced the 2021 Manning Marathon to be cancelled.
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Taree Aquatic Sailing Club official Dave Hardaker said six boats headed out from Manning Point in pouring rain on Saturday February 20. Three and a half hours into their voyage, the boats were towed back to Taree from Croki.
"We can't do a thing about the weather," Dave said.
In better news, the club welcomed 13 boats for a sprint series in Taree on Sunday.
There were four races in the Impulses and Sabre classes. Rohan Notsworthy topped the Impulse class ahead of Robert Fish while Troy Lewis won the Sabre class, with Waren Ruprecht in second.
Several boats from the Big River Sailing Club (Grafton) and Lake Macquarie also participated.
Dave confirmed the marathon will be back on the agenda next year.
He said a nor-easterly breeze is needed for quality racing.
""Normally we'd get 20 to 30 boats so hopefully we'll get the numbers," Dave added.
The marathon was cancelled in 2020 as well, due to travel concerns associated with the bushfire crisis.
The Saturday afternoon sailing program in Taree continues to attract 15 to 18 boats weekly.
It will wrap up before Easter and return after the October long weekend.
