Pernix Vuda emerged as a formidable force at the 2025 Simple Green Business House West Series, claiming 26 championship points on the opening day of the regatta held at Wailoaloa Beach. They recorded a winning time of 01:18:53 in the Cup Final, narrowly finishing ahead of Suva’s Resonance Blackout, who secured 25 points, and the local ATS Sharks with 24 points.
The regatta intensified the rivalry between West and East, showcasing elite competitors such as Semesa Vilise from Resonance Blackout, currently trialing for the Fiji Va’a Team. Pernix Vuda, in response, showcased their determination with the fastest time of the day at 01:14:06 during Heat 2, overcoming the challenge despite being the only top team without active club paddlers.
Race Director Daryl Sakopo emphasized the significant preparation undertaken by Pernix Vuda, indicating a commitment to victory with training that began as early as January. This level of dedication highlights the competitive spirit within corporate teams and their involvement in such events.
Also noteworthy was the impressive performance of the Malamala Jaguars, who, training together only two days prior, stunned audiences by securing 9th place with a time of 01:24:60, proving that teamwork can effectively compensate for limited preparation.
Key moments in the races included a controversial re-race during the Cup semi-finals, required due to navigability issues affecting Lane 1. Following a restart, Resonance Blackout maintained its stronghold over ATS Sharks. The event also witnessed nail-biting finishes, often resolved by sub-second margins involving dual camera systems to ensure accuracy in race outcomes.
Organized by the Nadi Bay Canoe Club and Vuda Canoe Club, the event’s success was attributed to collaboration among various clubs, enabling effective officiation and management. The engagement of seasoned members from the Fiji Va’a community ensured a smooth operational flow, marking a significant achievement for the organizers.
As points carry over to the next event on April 12, the lead remains fragile with ten teams still in contention for the title, ensuring an exciting finish. The ATS Sharks team has already signaled their strategic intent for an aggressive training push in anticipation of the next competition, aiming to capitalize on any missteps from the top two teams.
Moving forward, fans can watch for several storylines come April 12: the ability of Resonance Blackout to regain dominance against Pernix Vuda, adaptive strategies to tidal conditions, and whether debut teams under Fletcher Higgins can sustain their promising performances.
Daryl Sakopo encapsulated the excitement as he remarked, “Blazing competition and relentless teams – Only one will rise above the heat on the West Side and claim the 2025 Simple Green Business House West Series Overall Winner.”
Event Details:
– Date: April 12, 2025
– Heats begin at 9:00 AM; Finals commence at 1:00 PM
– Location: Wailoaloa Beach, Nadi
– Follow training updates for Business House teams on Instagram: @NadiBayCanoeClub and @VudaCanoeClub.
This thrilling regatta not only fosters competition but also strengthens community ties, promising an even more engaging atmosphere for the upcoming events.
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