Seven straight win for Caves Beach

Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club have taken out the top spot for the NSW IRB Overall Championship for the seventh consecutive successive season.

25 clubs contested the 16-event program at Towradgi in Wollongong, with teams travelling from as far as Kiama and South West Rocks. In cold and testing conditions, the Caves Beach team scored 114 points, the highest event tally in the history of the NSW IRB competition. Thirroul placed second with 102 points while North Narrabeen came third with 86.

“We left nothing on the beach,” said team captain and coach Scott Bryant. “It was tough. In the lead up some clubs really boosted their numbers, entering every event they could to beat us on total points. But what can I say, the cream rose to the top,” he said.

Mercury Marine said that the Caves Beach team once again helped to victory thanks to their 25hp Mercury Sea Pro outboards. The club has been using these outboards exclusively since 2003 – the same year they took their first NSW title.

“The engines just don’t stop,” said Bryant. “The conditions we use them in are extreme to say the least but they still start first time every time. We are actually still using three of the motors we started with in 2003.

“They sit on 6000rpm all day then we just wash them down and put them away until next time.”

Mercury said its SeaPro outboards are engineered to be ultra-tough working partners for anyone making their living on the water, with a range of design modifications including extra heavy duty swivel brackets, modified carburettors for smoother running at very low revs, and specially toughened gear cases.

The NSW IRB competition has been running since 1981. The Caves Beach team’s seventh successive title is unprecedented, with the closest contender being fellow Hunter club Nobby’s with three straight titles in the 90s.

Visit www.mercurymarine.com.au for more information on Sea Pro.