A festival atmosphere will mark the 10th Macleay Island Classic to be held on May 19 and 20.
Individual events for singles and doubles involving kayaks, outrigger canoes and stand up paddlers will be held on May 19 with cash prizes for first, second and third male and female. There are more than 60 category prizes for both age and craft.
Trophies will be presented at a gala dinner being held at the Tingira Boat Club that night.
Team events will be held on May 20 and will include the OC (six person outriggers) and the relay race. Each of these events will paddle 15km around Macleay Island in an anti-clockwise direction with the relay designed for less experienced paddler wishing to share the experience.
Entries close at 3pm on May 18.
All teams will be looking to topple local team the Barracoutas which has won this event for the last five years.
Tingira Boat Club commodore Neville Prosser said holding the event over two days allowed competitors to paddle as individuals on the Saturday and stay overnight to compete in the team events.
“In its 10 years, the event has built up quite a reputation within the canoeing community. Paddlers and their support team travel from as far south as Byron Bay in NSW and from far north as Hervey Bay. Last year the first male and female flew back from Melbourne to compete in the event,” Mr Prosser said.
Mr Prosser said the classic was a community event on the island manned by more than 60 volunteers, including club members, individuals and organisations.
Safety boats are being provided from Macleay and Russell islands, the mainland, the Coochiemudlo Island Surf Lifesaving Club and Redland Bay Coast Guard.
The event is also supported by the Wynnum/Redlands Canoe Club and Queensland ambulance service.
The event is sponsored by Redland City Council (gold), Bay Island Transport, Pharmacy Essential Macleay Island, Bay Island Golf Club, Bay Island Early Learning Centre and Pharmacy Essential-Macleay Island (silver) and The Haven Gallery, Macleay Island Gifts and Stationery, Boutique Meats, Aussie Whip Maker, Lop, Chop, and Chip, Bayair Transfers and Friendly Bay Islander (bronze).
More information is available at https://tingiraboatclub.com/ along with the online registration link.
