Finishing the 27-kilometre course in 2:22.39, Bulli were more than two minutes clear of Coogee, with Moruya third.

It means a top three finish, even if Coogee win the final leg to Eden, will be enough for Bulli to secure victory.

Bulli set the pace from the outset after leaving Tathra, but the crew was challenge mid raced as they rowed south past the Tura Beach headland.

Coogee briefly took charge, but Bulli refused to be denied, storming back to the lead before hanging on in the run into Pambula Beach.

After days of altered courses due to high winds and rough seas, Marathon organiser Andrew Edmunds was pleased the event could finally stick to the planned routes.

"It's been tough for the crews to plan for as each day we've had to make a call on locations and set various courses," he said. 

"Conditions (Friday) were fantastic on the water.”

GEORGE BASS MARATHON

Friday, day six (Tathra to Pambula)

Open men: Bulli (2:22.39), Coogee (2:24.7); Moruya (2:25.33), Long Reef (2:27.11), Pambula (2:35.49). Pointscore: Bulli 5, Coogee 8, Moruya 9, Long Reef 12, Pambula 24.

Open women: Moruya Long Reef (2:41.21), Broulee Capitals (2:44.28), Caloundra (2:45.48), Wollongong City (2:49.20).