The Shaw and Partners Forster Race Week is fast becoming one of the favourite appointments in the Shaw and Partners Australian Ocean Racing Series calendar.

Last week, over 200 paddlers converged from around Australia to Forster (NSW) to compete in two challenging races, all vying for their slice of the $25,000 prize pool.

Highlights of the three-day festivities included complimentary training clinics with the ocean’s elite athletes, a three-course dinner presented by Shaw and Partners whereby the $25 paid by guests to attend the evening was all donated to Gotcha4Life Foundation, the Shaw and Partners Nine Mile Cup – a 13km race from Forster Beach to Blackhead – and the Shaw and Partners Forster Ocean Classic, a gruelling 20km race from Elizabeth Beach to Forster Beach.

In the Shaw and Partners Nine Mile Cup raced on Friday 22 April, cross winds and chop made for tricky conditions, but Shaw and Partners Race Team member Cory Hill was always in control crossing the line in 53m10s, well clear of Mackenzie Hynard 2nd and third placegetter Olympic kayaker, Riley Fitzsimmons.

In the women’s field, Shaw and Partners Race Team member Danielle McKenzie continued to shine, taking the Nine Mile to make it three wins from three starts in the Shaw and Partners Series and to maintain her strong hold on the championship lead. McKenzie crossed in a time of 58m56s, with Shaw and Partners brand ambassador Jemma Smith second in 1h57s and three-time Australian Ironwoman Champion, Georgia Miller making her ocean paddling debut, third with a time of 1h3m21s for the haul from Forster to Black Head. 

On Saturday 23 April, Cory Hill completed the double in his ocean ski by winning the challenging Shaw and Partners Forster Ocean Classic. Hill dominated the 20km race, crossing the finishing line in 1h31m39s, nearly two minutes in front of second place, Shaw and Partners Race Team member Michael Booth (1h33m24s), and Tom Norton third (1h33m55s).

Shaw and Partners Brand Ambassador Jemma Smith was the star of the show in the women's race, defending her 2021 win in the Forster Ocean Classic with a start to finish dominance. Smith completed the 20km journey in 1h46m. Hanna Minogue came in second with Shaw and Partners Brand Ambassador Hannah Sculley third.

Shaw and Partners extends a huge congratulations to all competing athletes and looks forward to the inaugural Shaw and Partners Hells Gate 38, being round four of the Australian Ocean Racing Series in Noosa, QLD taking place on Saturday 4th June 2022.

For more information on the Shaw and Partners Hells Gate 38 please visit https://www.hellsgates38.com.au