The 36-kilometre run from Bermagui to Tathra is traditionally the toughest of the six legs, but favourable conditions saw crews finish at Tathra for the first time in six years.

The favourable conditions came in stark contrast to the 26-kilometre day four leg from Narooma to Bermagui that saw crews battle strong southerly swells and hypothermia.

Bulli skipper Adam Barlow said the conditions were a welcome change as his crew cruised to a race-clinching victory.

“We had some good conditions out there today,” Barlow said.

“I’ve done this race five times now and this is the best day we’ve had for the long leg. We had a light southerly, just enough to keep you cool, just enough to keep you honest. It was pretty flat so it was a really good days’ rowing.”

Having claimed the Curly Annabel Hat perpetual trophy for a third consecutive time, Bulli will now turn their attention to an unbeaten finish to the race over the final two legs.

North Cronulla took out the Open Women, while Pambula also continued their unbeaten run in the Masters Women.

The Masters Men was taken out by Broulee while the Broulee Bats bounced back from the three hypothermia cases they faced a day earlier finishing in second place in the Masters Women.

The day six leg from Tathra to Pambula will get underway at 8:30am Friday.