The traditional name of Botany Bay is Kamay.

Sutherland Shire Canoe Club and Dolls Point Paddlers acknowledge the Dharawal and Eora peoples and their associated clans as the traditional owners of waters of Kamay and the adjacent land.

We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture, and we acknowledge the Dharawal and Eora peoples as the first paddlers on the Botany Bay. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

This year we’re racing in the Dharawal season of Marrai’gang which loosely means wet becoming cool, Quolls are seeking mates and the Lillypilly fruit ripens.

The short course is approximately 8km, and the long course is approximately 14km.

Start

The start line will be between a Yellow and Black cardinal marker and a pink permanent buoy. Paddlers are required to stay 50m behind the buoys until the race has been called to the start.

DO NOT break the Start. You must remain behind the IRB bringing your start to the start line. The IRB will move to the yellow and black buoy at the start line (opposite the start boat). Anyone breaking the start will incur a 2 minute penalty. VIDEO WILL BE TAKEN THIS YEAR.

The Start procedure will be as follows:

1. Green flag will be raised 2 minutes prior to each start
2. Red flag will be raised 1 minute prior to each start
3. An AIR HORN will sound the race start.

Short Course Description

From Start, paddle in a South East direction and turn left around the pink buoy and head north towards Dolls Point. There will be an IRB leading the way.
Follow the shoreline along the groynes to the left turn pink buoy located near the Novatel.
Head south directly back along the shoreline to Dolls Point, turn right across the Sailing Club beach and through the finish buoys.

Long Course Description

From Start, paddle in a south east direction and turn left around the pink buoy and head north towards Dolls Point. Follow the shoreline along the groynes past the Novatel to the right turn yellow buoy near the entrance to Cooks River. Head East towards the end of the runway and turn right around the yellow buoy. Head south west directly back to Dolls Point, turning right across the Sailing
Club beach and through the finish buoys.

Finish

The Finish Line will be between two black and white chequered buoys.

Course Rules

• You MUST GIVE WAY to all other waterway users.
• Remember, you are required to assist any paddlers in difficulty throughout the race.
• If you see any of the safety boats wave a red flag on course, the race has been stopped and you must proceed as directed by the safety boat. 
• Your course will be marked by large yellow and pink buoys which are the new standard for Harbour Racing. Turn RIGHT around YELLOW and LEFT around PINK buoys. There is only one yellow buoy which you must turn around as you come to the Finish Line.

The Dolls Point Classic is held on Botany Bay, which can present a range of hazards and challenges for watersport participants. Of particular note along the DPC course are:

The Rules and the Cancellation Policy can be found on the Paddle NSW Harbour Series website

Three safety vessels will be on the water during the race.

A professional First Aid Office will be stationed at the start/finish line. Numerous race officials and volunteers have current first aid qualifications.

Ensure you have the minimum safety equipment as per the PNSW Harbour Series Rules for the full list of compulsory equipment. No exceptions will be granted.

• All paddlers must wear a Level 50 or 50S non-inflatable lifejacket that conforms to Australian Standards.
• One paddler of every Ski, Outrigger Canoe, Va’a or SUP must wear a leg leash at EVERY event. Paddle leashes or use of both paddle leash and leg leash together are not advised for Ski paddlers.
• All kayak paddlers are advised to wear a spray-skirt and use a
  paddle leash. Kayaks must have bulkheads and sealed
  compartments to provide buoyancy

Entry and parking is via Depena Reserve at the end of McMillan Avenue.

DO NOT USE the Sanoni Avenue entrance or carpark – these are reserved for Coffee Shop and Sailing Club patrons, and members of the general public accessing Dolls Point.

Drivers will be given a parking ticket which MUST be displayed on their dashboard. Failure to comply with parking instructions may result in a parking fine.

Points will be awarded to boats based upon their finishing position within their entered Division and, where applicable, Age Category:

1. Division 1, 2 and 3: –
   • Single Ski – U18, Open (19-39), 40 – 49, 50 – 59, 60+, 70+
     The last year a paddler can compete in the U18 Age Group is the year of their 18th birthday.
   • Double Ski – all ages
   • OC1 – all ages
   • OC2 – all ages
   • OC6 / Dragon Boat – all ages vi. Other Craft – all ages
2. Division 4 (SUP) – all ages

The conditions of Botany Bay are variable with wind and tide effects.

Of particular note is the meeting of flows from the Cooks River and the Georges River at Dolls Point – craft can be abruptly turned and sand bars here can cause wave crests to rise.

Paddlers should check the weather forecasts and tide information and ensure they paddle within their abilities. Dress appropriately for the conditions.

All events need volunteers and the Dolls Point Classic is no exception.

If you’re not planning to paddle, why not email committee@shirekayaking.info to join the volunteer team?

2023 19 May – Series Race 2 – Results, Race Photos, Race Report, Race Video

2022 7 August – Series Race 4 – Results , Photos, Race Report

2021 8 May, Series Race 2 – Results  Photos

2020 – race not run due to COVID restrictions

2019, 6 April, Series Race 2- Results  Photos  Race Report

2018, 5 May, Series Race 4 – Results

2016 to 2021 – Results

The event was renamed from the Botany Bay Classic to the Dolls Point Classic in 2017

2020-05 Dolls Point Classic dominated by local Shire paddlers