Paddlers should choose to enter either the long or short course based on their level of experience, their abilities and their expected paddling speed. Any paddler who cannot paddle faster than 8.5 km/hr for the entire long course distance should enter the short course. SUPs may only enter the short course event.

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.

Refer to the Paddle NSW 2021 Harbour Series Rules (https://nsw.paddle.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2021/02/PNSW-Harbour-Series-Rules-2021.pdf)

And the Paddle NSW 2021 Harbour Series Race Cancellation Policy (https://nsw.paddle.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2021/02/210131-HRS-Cancellation-Policy.pdf)

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.

The Harbour Series is open to any paddler with the correct safety equipment including a L50 non-inflatable lifejacket. Leg leashes are required for Ski or SUP paddlers. Read the PNSW Harbour Series Rules 2021 for the full list of compulsory equipment.

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.

The following categories will be available to enter:

• Single Ski: Male/Female – U19, Open (19-39), 40-49, 50-59, 60+
• SLSA U19 Spec Ski
• Double Ski: U19, Open (19-39), 40-49, 50-59, 60+
• Single Outrigger: Male/Female, – U19, All Age
• Double Outrigger: Male/Female – U19, All Age
• Sea Kayak: U19, All Age
• SUP: Male/Female – U19, All Age

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.

On Saturday 8th May, 2021, high tide is at approximately 6am and low is at approximately 12:20pm. Tide levels are moderate.

Weather information will be available closer to the event.

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?