Once again, males proved dominant, with North Cottesloe men’s crew completing the course from Princess Royal Harbour to Ellen Cove in 50 minutes and 10 seconds.

However, it was the Scarborough women’s crew comprising Gemma de Knock, Jane Taylor, Emily Randles, Amanda Rukuwai and sweep Garry Hotchkin, which crossed the line first.

But after the time was corrected given the staggered start, the Scarborough Gold crew of former schoolgirl rowers could only claim first place for women in 55m8s.

“We were pipped on the start but made a good manouvre taking over the lead before the wreck (Cheynes IV),” stroke de Knock said.

“We then kept it long and strong to stay in front.

“The only tricky bit was going through the heads (Ataturk Channel) where the swell was running.”

Open to all surfboat rowers, surf ski and board paddlers, the event attracted about 150 competitors from Perth to Esperance.

The first paddler home was Bunbury’s James Duncan in 58m42s.

It was Duncan’s first visit to Albany for the event but he has been on the winner’s podium many times.

At this year’s country championships in Perth he won the ironman, ski and board events.