Shaw and Partners was proud to be the major sponsor of the 2019 Maui Jim Molokai Challenge, a gruelling ocean surf-ski paddling race held in the Hawaii; a trial of endurance and perseverance that attracts contenders from all corners of the globe.  The surf-ski paddlers are drawn by the chance to test themselves against the often-challenging water and weather conditions of the 53km course, which crosses the Ka’iwi Channel between the islands of Molokai and Oahu.

The 2019 Molokai Challenge saw a record field of 200 paddlers registered competing on solo, double surf-skis and one-man outriggers. The Shaw and Partners Race Team was well represented by a contingent of over 20 paddlers, including Cory Hill, Michael Booth, Mackenzie Hynard, Ali Day, Rachel Clarke and Hayley Nixon. The Race Team had a diverse cross section of representatives from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The Race Team was kitted out by dedicated sponsors including the event headline sponsor, Maui Jim and high profile ocean paddling brands Bennett, Vaikobi, Epic, Fenn, OceanPaddler and Think Kayaks.

With near perfect downwind conditions and a $5,000 cash prize offered by Shaw and Partners to the new male and female world record breaker, the starting line of paddlers this year looked more competitive than ever.

In the men’s field, Hank McGregor won the race in 3:11:17 ahead of Shaw and Partners Race Team member Cory Hill, breaking Cory’s 2018 record and taking home an additional $5,000 cash prize on top of the winner’s cheque. Ali Day, Mackenzie Hynard and Michael Booth finished respectively in fourth, eighth and ninth position.

In the women’s category, another world record was smashed by Jordan Mercer who took out the win in 3:47:22 ahead of Georgia Laird, Hayley Nixon and Rachel Clarke.

For the second year running, Shaw and Partners will be the sole headline sponsor of the 2019/20 Australian Ocean Racing Series (AORS), contributing significant cash incentives to position the paddling series as one the richest in the world.

The next appointments on the surf-ski racing calendar for the Shaw and Partners Race Team are the Canadian Downwind Champs and the Gorge Downwind Champs in July.