The Reilly & Sons Food Services Warriewood surf boat crew will be looking to take a big step forward this season with a new look team and surf boat launching into round one of the 2007 Evive Ocean Thunder Pro Surf Boat Series commencing at Dee Why next weekend. 

The former Bungan Beach rowers who made the move north to join the Warriewood club in the off season will be looking to better their seventh placing from last year in the $100,000 four round series. 

The 2006 state championship winning team of Aaron Reilly, Rob Giblin, Ian Bucknall and Matt Collins are joined this season from former Freshwater rower, Josh Harrison who will be hungry for success at both Ocean Thunder and Australian Championship level this year. 

Speaking at a recent christening of the club’s newest boat Warriewood boat captain, Dave Rees believes the crew can fulfil their potential as one of the best in the nation. 

“Everyone is hoping that this year will be their year and from what I’ve seen in the off season and how they’ve shaped up early in the season it’s looking pretty good,” he said.   

“They’ve been one of the most consistent crews at a national level for some time and I think with the combination they have this year along with a bit of luck should see them right up there.” 

The Warriewood club has a long and proud history in the surf boat arena courtesy of multiple Australian champion and life member, Bob Fulton who led the club during their golden era in the late 70’s. 

“This crew has created a lot of excitement among the legends of the club like Bob (Fulton) and the ultimate goal apart from success in the Ocean Thunder is to bring that elusive Australian title back to the club,” Rees said. 

Regarded as the richest world wide professional surf boat series in the world, the Evive Ocean Thunder Series witnesses the top 24 men and 12 women’s crews from throughout the nation showdown in a gruelling number of race formats. 

But the race schedule for the Warriewood crew will witness them turn their focus a little closer to home this weekend when they take to the water in round two of the Sydney Northern Beaches Surf Boat Premiership at Whale Beach today.   

After claiming victory in round one, the team will also be looking to qualify as the peninsula’s number one crew for the Interbranch Championships next month.