Hatton secures women's ICF Ocean Racing world championship title in Tahiti

The stunning Tahitian landscape provided a spectacular setting for the women's event at the 2nd ICF Ocean Racing World Championships. Elite paddlers from across the globe gathered for the 30-kilometer mass start, embarking on a challenging journey to the finish line. The presence of breaching humpback whales alongside the competitors further enhanced the memorable atmosphere of the race. New Zealand's Teneale Hatton quickly established a strong lead, being the first to reach the initial 'hot spot'. She spearheaded a quartet of athletes navigating significant ocean swells and ideal downwind surfing conditions. Michelle Eray of the USA, demonstrating her proficiency in open water, seized the lead around the 3-kilometer mark. Eray maintained her advantage until the final kilometer, where Hatton executed a critical maneuver, surging past a fatigued Eray to secure the world championship crown. Eray earned a well-deserved second place. Fellow New Zealander Rachel Clarke adopted an alternative approach, venturing wider into the open ocean in pursuit of larger waves for surfing. This tactic proved effective, ultimately earning her the bronze medal. Reflecting on the race, Eray commented, “The conditions were excellent. I understood that to overcome Teneale, I would have needed a lead of over two minutes entering the calmer waters near the finish. My ocean training this past year simply hasn't been sufficient.”

Under 23 Category Highlights

In the Under 23 division, Jenna Ward from South Africa delivered an outstanding performance, dominating the category to become the world champion. She finished with a three-minute lead over Australia's Georgia Laird, who claimed the silver medal. The bronze medal in this category was awarded to Jamie Brinkworth, also from Australia.

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