2025 PV Peninsula Downwind Classic, Frankston Pier, Frankston Waterfront Reserve
Saturday 15 February (weather contingency for Sunday 16 February)
This event is hosted by Paddle Vic Ocean Paddling and MP Paddlers. Entry fees are:
- Long course option - $85 per adult and $65 per Junior (16 years and over)
- Short course option - $65 per adult and $45 per Junior (16 years and over)
Note - above prices are for Paddle Vic/Australia members. Non members are most welcome to enter, an additional Paddle Australia single fee charge will be applied to cover insurances of $24 per adult and $12 per junior.
**EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DISCOUNT of $15 per entry is available until midnight Sunday 2 February**
This is a designated open water downwind event. Craft must be suitable for open water and carry the relevant buoyancy, and is open to ocean racing and spec skis, sea kayaks, outriggers, stand up paddle boards and foils, and prone boards. Single and two person craft are welcome. Each paddler must register.
To optimise downwind conditions, the course location, course direction, day and time will be selected from an event window with a race start time of 10am on Saturday 15 February 2025 to 3pm on Sunday 16 February 2025.
**confirmed race details will be communicated to all competitors and volunteers via email at 5pm on Thursday 13 February 2025**
The race has both a long and short course and two course location options:
- South/North from south side of Frankston Pier (Frankston Waterfront Reserve) to northern side of Mordialloc Pier (Pier Road) for a distance of 17km. The short course will finish in the same location and start on the southern side of the Patterson River entrance (Stephens Street) for a distance of 10km
- East/Westfrom Safety Beach Yacht Club to western side of Blairgowrie Marina for a distance of 19km. The short course will finish at the same location and start on the western side of the Rosebud pier for a distance of 10km
A turning buoy will be placed in the ocean to assist in aligning paddlers with the wind (which may vary the race distance slightly). The event will not be held in less than 10 knots of wind.
Entry Conditions:
It is a condition of entry that entrants be able to swim 400 metres without rest and can remount their craft after capsize in downwind conditions. Paddlers must also have previously paddled the race distance in the ocean or bay in downwind conditions of at least 20 knots.
Each paddler must carry a mobile phone in a water proof case that has the Webscorer app instaled via the App (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) store and have created an account (see https://www.webscorer.com/blog/post/2023/08/18/gps-tracking-of-racers) for more details.
On the day participants BEFORE the start participants must:
- start the Webscorer app and select “GPS self-tracking”
- tap "My upcoming GPS races" and then tap the race name
- tap “Start GPS tracking” at any time on race day, e.g. 15 minutes before the start
- you can then turn the phone screen off and stow the phone in your pfd or pocket
- app will sending the gps location of each participant at the interval specified (e.g. once per minute)
Each paddler must also:
- Wear an approved high vis Life Jacket / PFD (personal flotation device). SUP and Prone paddlers only may wear approved Lifejacket Level 100/150 bum bag inflatable lifejacket and must wear a high vis top
- Wear a leg leash connected to their craft except outrigger and sea kayaks
- Carry an orange day smoke flare
- Carry a pealess whistle attached to your PFD
- Be able to remount thier craft independently in winds up to 25 knots
- Wear appropriate warm clothing suitable for submersion
- Be recommended to carry a minimum of 1L of water during the race as well as sun protection
- Follow the event course at all times
- Follow the direction of water safety officials at all times when on the water
- Give way to larger vessels when on the water at all times
- Stop and help any other competitor/s in difficulty whilst on the course
- Stick paddle straight up in the air if you require assistance
- Notify race management by text message if unable to finish (0422 244 183 or 0413 101 860)
All paddlers will be required to pass through a safety checkpoint prior to entering the water.
Shuttle bus transport available
MP Paddlers is providing a shuttle bus and trailer to transport participants and thier craft to the start line on race day. Meet the bus at the finish line 1.5 hours before race start to load craft. Bookings are essential as places are limited - cost is $25 per person, pay online in advance - email info@mppaddlers.org
Refunds will apply if the event is not held in the event window due to wind conditions.
For more race information visit: https://www.mppaddlers.org/peninsula-downwind-classic-2