Teamwork: Paddlers took on the V12 Winery Run in a 12-person team.
On the weekend of April 20-21 Inland Outriggers Canoe Club hosted its fifth annual V12 Winery Run.
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The weekend involved teams of 12 paddlers (in two six-man outrigger canoes braced together to resemble a catamaran without the sail) completing a distance of 25km on the Murray River each day.
This year the event had three V12 (12-man) canoes on the water and it looked an impressive sight.
Paddlers from Melbourne and interstate (Queensland) joined Inland Outrigger members for a fantastic weekend.
More than 40 paddlers and families were in Echuca to participate.
Day one commenced at Barmah boat ramp and ended at Cape Horn Winery, a significant highlight where paddlers relaxed, enjoyed lunch and live entertainment before returning to Echuca for the evening.
On the water: The teams head into Echuca
The paddling has recreational aspects with time to enjoy the scenery and ambience of the Murray River with very few other craft on the water at this time of year.
The event also challenges the fitness of Outrigger paddlers who enjoy the competitive nature of sport.
Renee, from Airlie Beach, said: “The V12s get a bit of pace going with 12 synchronised paddlers all pulling water.”
On Sunday, the teams paddled another 25km from Cape Horn Winery to Echuca Victoria Park Boat Ramp.
A barbecue lunch followed and gave people the opportunity to socialise with paddlers from all over Victoria and, this year, members from Airlie Beach Queensland Outrigger Whitsunday Club.
Mark Gray, from Geelong Outriggers Canoe Club, said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better day, great weather, camaraderie from different clubs and some competitive training.”
Almost home: The Winery Run canoes arrive at port.
Alan, from Queensland, said: “It was an interesting concept, the V12 Winery Run — we don’t experience this with ocean racing.
“There is no winery to stop over, and day two with a final breakup at Vic Park with the barbecue and some banter amongst the paddlers.”
Club president Don Larcombe said the preparation was a collective effort with Torquay and Kai Opua (Altona) clubs towing vessels from Melbourne to add to the fleet.
Every paddler and the team behind the scenes helping with logistics and the barbecue make it a rewarding and enjoyable event.
Inland Outrigger Canoe Club operates from the Victoria Park Boat Ramp. The club trains all year and welcomes anyone interested in joining whatever their motivation. The club offer fitness, fun and competition.
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