McGregor notches up series win

SOUTH African paddling great, Hank McGregor notched up his first win of the 2015 FNB Durban Downwind Surfski Series on Saturday when clinched victory in the Zurich Pirates Umhlanga Pirates clash, while rowing convert Hayley Arthur claimed the women’s spoils.

Having missed the five-leg series’ first two encounters on KZN’s South Coast, McGregor was eager to put in a strong showing at the world oldest ever surfski race across Durban’s bay and back.

“Pirates Umhlanga Pirates is such an iconic race so it was great to come down and be a part of this year’s race! I took it quite easy on the way to Umhlanga and Matthew (Bouman), my dad (Lee McGregor) and I turned about a minute behind Steve (Woods) and Wade (Krieger). On the way back I looked to push the pace a little more and it was nice to get the win in the end!” he said.

While the second half of the year’s calendar includes some major obstacles such as the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in Hungary, the ICF Ocean Racing World Championships in Taihiti and the Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon in the Eastern Cape, the Mauritius Ocean Classic is McGregor’s immediate focus.

McGregor believes his Pirates Umhlanga Pirates effort will aid in his preparation for the upcoming island assignment however making the journey with his wife Pippa and young son Thorsten is something he paddling sensation is looking forward to as well.

“On Monday I leave for the Mauritius Classic with the whole family. It will be Thor’s first international trip and our first real trip as a family so Pippa and I really excited and looking forward to a good week over there!”

Throughout the return leg from Umhlanga McGregor was chased hard by Epic Kayaks/SMG’s Matt Bouman however in the end the Salt Rock resident was too strong for his Umhlanga counterpart.

Bouman crossed the line in second ahead of Epic Kayaks’ Wade Krieger while Steve Woods and great-grandmaster competitor Lee McGregor rounded out the top five while young Bailey de Fondaumiere claimed yet another junior boys’ race victory.

With Fenn Kayaks’ Jenna Ward and young Kyeta Purchase opting to get some invaluable time in the boat together ahead of the Marathon World Champs pairing, Arthur sailed home to clinch the women's race spoils.

Ward and Purchase went on to win the women's doubles category and Ryan Atkin and Louisa van Staden the mixed doubles while the overall doubles spoils went to under-18 pair Luke Criticos and Thomas Lovemore who edged out Bruce Wenke and Linton Hope.

The ET Security Winkle Challenge, race four of the 2015 FNB Durban Downwind Surfski Series, takes place on 4 or 5 July. Visit: www.durbandownwind.co.za