The 100^th anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli by the ANZACs will be commemorated in a special way by The Gallipoli 100 Organisation. The Gallipoli 100 is to be a surfboat race featuring surfboats manned by Australian, New Zealand and Turkish crews held on 23 and 24 April 2015 from Eceabat (SL Kilitbahir - Çanakkale) to North Beach (FL Ariburnu).

There were many life savers and future life savers who fought at Gallipoli, including a number of our pre-war life savers who did not return.

This race and the additional programme set to coincide with the cultural activities planned by the Turkish Government will further the friendship between Turkey, Australia and New Zealand whilst enabling those participating to pay their respects to all who lost their lives so many years ago.

The race is a proven concept. We have had boats at ANZAC Cove; and are training Turkish crews. To make it a reality we need community involvement to sponsor boats in the race, surf club members to go to Turkey in the intervening years to acclimatise themselves and train Turkish crews; and for you and your club to join the race and associated tour.

Our photos show the landing of boats at North Beach (with all of the approvals necessary to enter the restricted waters) on 27 August 2010. Mouse over pictures for more details.

These Surf Clubs will be there ...

Forster NSW
Yamba NSW
McMasters NSW
Lyall Bay NZ
Tamarama NSW (2 boats)
Omanu NZ
Perigan QLD
Avoca Beach NSW (2 boats)
Port Macquarie NSW
North Steyne NSW
Bungan Beach NSW
Tathra NSW
Coolum Beach QLD
Broulee NSW
Warriewood NSW
North Cottesloe WA (2 boats)
Wauchope / Bonny Hills NSW
Dee Why NSW
North Curl Curl NSW
Shellharbour NSW
Brighton SA
Currumbin QLD (5 boats)
Tugun QLD
Wye River VIC
Cottesloe WA
Mooloolaba QLD
Urunga NSW
Red Beach NZ
Woolgoolga NSW
North Bondi NSW
Pambula NSW
Nobbys NSW
South West Rocks NSW
Freshwater NSW
South Curl Curl NSW
Eurobodalla NSW
Lakes Entrance VIC
Mollymook NSW
Wollongong City NSW
The Scots College
McPhillamy Team

Please note that until March 2012, when surf club members, families and friends full deposits are due, only waitlist for surf boat registrations will be taken.

UPDATE 7 May 2011

An important update as to the situation regards the G100 event.

1. The Event is on and as already advised will be held on 23 April with 4 stages, and 24 April, with 1 leg. The new stages have been loaded on our course map at our website. We have put all safety arrangements to the test, such as water and land based ambulances, doctor, nurses, Turkish Naval escort, Coast Guard, and beach crew changes. The staging location for surf boats is firmed up and the holding area on the water before the start of the event.
2. As you are all aware, this event is not just about winning, but is part of the Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of ANZAC Day and all that means in Australia and New Zealand. The consensus of all of our team, which included Bert, two senior rowers from the Tamarama club, and two Turkish crews that included two members who were Turkish National Sculls champions and who competed in the Olympics, was that this race/event is not suitable for only one crew per boat. The conditions we rowed in were extreme, freezing weather, strong winds and currents that will affect much of the race, particularly after leaving the Dardanelles and entering the Aegean Sea.
3. As such, we are putting in conditions that require each surf boat must have a minimum of 8 rowers plus one sweep. To meet the safety requirements set by the Turkish authorities, the sweep, or boat captain must hold a current Level 1 coach licence issued by SLS. This will be enforced for the rowing stages on day one whilst rowing in the very busy shipping lanes of the Dardanelles.
4. For those of you who had planned on just one crew, we cannot proceed with your entry. We are happy for clubs to discuss this matter and look at combining with one boat. I am aware that North Steyne and Bungan Beach have made these plans already. We would also like all rowers to be members of the ASRL. Our crews in Turkey are setting up a Surf Rowers League there, and the ASRL is assisting with their Constitution. As there is no SLS organization in Turkey, an ASRL type organization will help us to select Turkish crews for the G100.
5. Should the condition requiring a minimum 8 rowers affect your entry, the surf boat registration fee will be refunded in full. However, we expect that many of you can combine for the event. We can advise you on this as we can see by entries where this condition can resolve.

A second matter has arisen that has created a real problem in the short term. Last year, we conducted training in June for two crews from the Bogazici University at the beach campus on the Black Sea. In August, at great cost to my organization we took a significant team from 4 surf clubs to the Black Sea and then Gallipoli to conduct additional training and stage some events which were covered on TV both in Turkey, NZ and Australia.

Before leaving Turkey last week, I agreed to conduct training again in June, 10-20 June on the Black Sea just North of Istanbul. Yesterday, I received notice that there will be upwards of 13 crews, male and female, for training. Crews are coming from various villages as well as two more Universities, and the Turkish Naval Academy are also planning to get involved so that they can compete against our Navies in the 2015 event.

Whilst I still have a small budget for the ASRL to assist in June, I am inviting your “boaties” to come along and help. I cannot cover the air fares accommodation and meals. However by early next week I will have a cost per person that in addition to the inclusions mentioned, it will provide a two night visit to Gallipoli and a full day touring Istanbul, both with experienced guides.

News Ltd, through the Australian Newspaper will ask for “boaties” to assist. An editorial type message will go into their papers throughout Australia next week, seeking help urgently. Obviously, I would like the support to come from clubs entered for the G100, hence this email. A good opportunity to do a recce of the event course. We currently have 6 surf boats on the Black Sea, and we hope to send some more boats later this year, again with your help . Based on last year, June is good weather, there is a wave most days, and I know you will have a great time.

(bring your own vegemite!!!!)

Regards,
Paul (Murphy) and Bert
Ps we have a rubber duck also so if you have experience with IRB’s that is a bonus.

June 2011 again saw us in Turkey training Turkish crews; there will even be one from Eceabat on the Gallipoli Peninsula.