Update!
We have looked at the forecast for Saturday and will be working in with what the conditions are. We are flexible with the race start so a soilders point start is an option option even though it is shorter.
We want to ensure downwind as much as possible and the course you can see by Andrew's course is a great option. Due to Travelling soilders point at 8KM would be the best option from our point of view. The Course released was ideal if conditions suit best but the westerly is now forecasted.
We will heavily watch the forecast as will all.
Just please know we are adjustable for the start to suit.
The process for the Elite Race will be to:
8am: Saturday register (all to gain race numbers and all information here)
11am: Briefing for the race (Please note that this time may alter to become earlier due to conditions)
11:30 race start (Please note that this may become earlier due to conditions)
All will be confirmed at 8am registration and briefing.
Surfing NSW will give all enough time to travel to soilders point if this is the case of starting point.
Please keep in mind all other races!
- http://www.surfingaustralia.com/nsw/event.php?id=536
Friday - Sprint/Technical
Sunday - Dash for Cash, Short Course and Teams!!
Thanks for all feedback.
Surfing NSW
Good move from Surfing NSW. I wonder if logistically it's possible to do 2 runs of 8km as Casso suggested. Accumulated times or something. As a famous model once said, I don't get out of bed for less than 10k. 
I like the idea of doing the Soldiers point run twice, if the logistics of moving cars/boards could work out without too much delay between the races?
You could either accumulate times for the 2 runs so no-knows who wins until the presos or handicap the second start by the finishing times from the first run?
Was thinking another option could be to start at Tanilba bay, paddle 2.2km due north (yes it's a hard slog but not for too long and saves a lot of driving distance to start at Swan Bay) then a right hand turn around the island and downwind to the finish, total approx 16.8km.
Travel times/distances based on google maps:
Nelson Bay to Everitt Park Soldiers Point (12km) = 18mins x 2 runs = 36mins (plus trying to do a car shuffle in between)
Nelson Bay to Tanilba Bay (39km) = 47mins
Nelson Bay to Swan Bay (65km) = 1hr 6mins
Hey Ali, I was talking to Camo last night and he quipped that the second car shuffle should be part of the race "Amazing Race" style - you have to organise your own transport back Soldier's Point with the clock still ticking. Okay, maybe not the most practical idea but it would be entertaining. 
Casso. I was looking forward to the upwind section. Always fun to try and sit in your wake. A great decision by Surfing NSW. It's great that they listen to the competitors. It will be just like Bayview to Palmie. All those downwinders will have been good training Casso. Actually this could be good for Sunday's racing as more competitors will now have the energy for Sunday. 7km upwind would have resulted in lots of sore muscles.
Great idea for a far west start in the longer race.I have been up here on the yacht for a while now. While I do like a challenge I don't think I would like to be out there paddling into a westerly gale. It funnels right down the Port from behind Karuha and there is no protection.
It looks too like there are some contestable banks at One Mile in small conditions, which no doubt we will have to bear Thursday. For Friday's strong northerly the inside bank at Birrubi looks good.
Don't expect the mirror glass surface in the above photo during the Saturday races. It looks like we are in for a real Westerly "gale'.
Birubi beach this minute at low tide. Given the forcast of strong northerly winds over the next few days that blows out One Mile but are best part offshore at Birubi, this is the logical place to hold the surfing?
Did ya go out Shaneo? If so, how was it?
I went out One Mile about that time - it was small but there was a fun little right hander up the middle.
Can you enter on sat morning for the race? from the web site it looks like you can!
Good luck guys... Hopefully DOGMAN is allowed to get on the PA and is allowed to do some commentating. Scotty Downing has also pulled out of the event so there (to my knowledge) no one representing the "gong".
Hope you all score good waves and look forward to seeing who wins the event...!! But I have to ask...is it a state title even though its open to other states.
Thats how i read it. option 2
- 2x REGISTRATION TENT
1) = Pre Registration (online through Surfing NSW before the event) or 2) = On Day Registration
** State race, age group and board size category
** Sign Race Waiver
micheal davies
kai
goaty
glen turner
i think
Wow great results guys great to see my mates names at the pointy end !!!! Yeah Johny NZ was off the hook as expected.... Mountain biking for over 7 hours was a high light and supping raglan!
