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500m racing is challenge when you swap from the madness of the splash and dash 200m, and Mako arrived on a crisp Gateway Lakes morning ready to write a new chapter in the Book of Mako.
With a super cool #makomojo vibe flowing through the hobo camp, Mako headed into the Senior A Mixed standard boat under no illusion of the challenge we now faced. A torrid heat parlayed into an even crazier rep and in the blink of an eye (over two or so minutes) Mako was bounced out and headed back to regroup for the split to 10’s racing.
The Tale of Badass Angie
Ok, it sets up as a huge yarn and it’s actually a freaking cool Mako story about Ang and the assignment she completely nailed. Having only received her Level 3 sweep accreditation on Wednesday, Ang stepped up to take on sweeping duties for the Women’s 10’s crew. Whatever was happening in Ang’s head it translated to brilliant sweeping performance as she commanded the crew down the course with the ladies responding in kind and smashing their way into a their first Senior A Semi-final appearance.
Not 11 Yet, But 10
Elsewhere on course, the Open’s crew were lurking about on the fringes of society, and flirting with the Devil on the edge of elimination. An ok but not spectacular run in the opening heat saw the crew heat into repechage with a shadow hanging over the progression. *&*& shadows, the Open’s crew fought their way back into the light and shaved an incredible ten (in numbers because its freaking huge – 10) seconds (about two and a half boat lengths) off their heat time to lob into the Senior A Semi’s for the first time ever. Sixth in, sixth out and you couldn’t wipe off the smiles with a gurney. Mako Open’s are in town and knocking on doors.
But wait…Kiwi Was Attacked by a Seagull
You heard it right. With a swag of races under his belt, Kiwi hit the bean bags for some leisure time and was just 13 into his 40 winks when he was mistaken for a large wrinkled chip. After a protracted battle resulting in a broken beak and dislocated wing the obvious outcome was finally realised – nobody steals food from Kiwi.
And now, the story of the magical 11
The number 11 is a lucky number, a powerful sign of awakening and awareness, and a sign of alignment with your life’s purpose. In terms of awakening and awareness, the Mixed 20’s 2k provided the platform for mako to take the next leap in its 2k journey. Having never struck out on a 2k run and come home under 11 minutes, Mako headed out for the Nationals that would ultimately become our very own Field of Dreams moment.
Heading out on course at ranking 8, the Mako mixed launched out hard passing the lead boat at the 500 mark. With the exception of our Melbourne Flames comrades who romped home to take gold, and despite some clubs hoping they would be passing us, NO other crew managed to wrestle their way past the feisty Mako mixed. 6th place in the 2k, along with 6th place in the 200 Mixed and the salty new kids are starting to make their mark.
As the sun set over Gateway Lakes, the Senior A campaign drew to a close. Happy, hungry, exhausted, exhilarated and very bloody keen for a beer Mako’s left the course and prepared for the days ahead. With thanks to out incredible sponsors Club Jervis Bay, we stand to fight another day and fight the Mako fight with mountains of #makomojo
