10 May 2023

Last minute decision results in a new boat

| Cape York Weekly
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Michael McKenna and Bastien Thompson only moved to Weipa this year and love their fishing.

So when they ended up in the top two of the major prize draw of the Weipa Fishing Classic, they simply couldn’t lose.

Mr McKenna won first prize, a 530 Quintrex Renegade boat and 90hp Evinrude package.

He hasn’t taken it for a spin yet due to work commitments but insists he’ll keep it.

“I’ve got a bigger boat but this will be perfect for Weipa,” he said on the weekend.

“I’m not sure when I’ll get to take it out but hopefully not too long.”

Mr McKenna was lucky in a number of ways as he only decided to buy a ticket late on Friday evening.

He was having his first sip on a beer at the Albatross Bay Resort when his phone rang to say he’d made the top 20 for the draw.

“I had to rush back to my room, get my key ring and then get down to Andoom Oval,” he said with a smile.

Runner-up Bastien was not complaining. The 15-year-old won a 420 Aluvan Boat and 40hp Suzuki package, sponsored by Diesel Field Services.

The Grade 10 student moved from Cairns to Weipa earlier this year. He went for a spin in the tinny on Saturday.

“It went awesome. I’m living the dream up here,” he said.

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