The first grand league of the racing season kicked off this weekend at the NRC. Skibbereen Regatta, originally scheduled for two weeks prior but postponed because of weather conditions, saw some fantastic racing, with the fixture being the first opportunity for many of the clubs to go head-to-head on a 2000m course this season.
Day one started with racing in the men’s Junior 14’s 2x and Women’s Junior 13’s 4x+ events. Conditions were relatively good, but a tricky crosswind made for some competitive heats as crews battled it out to secure lane advantage for the finals.
Winners of day one included Cliodhna Nolan of UCC picking up a win in the Division One W1x, and Ronan Byrne of Shandon BC winning the men’s event. Fermoy’s Intermediate crew of Brigid Mahon, Karen Carey, Julie Moran, Aine O’Mahony, and Niamh O’Connell had the fastest time in the W4+ D1 event, while UL’s intermediate crew took the win in the men’s event.
Crews faced a strong tailwind on day two of Skibbereen Regatta from the first race at 8:30 am right through to the evening races. Results from day two racing saw Cork BC men’s senior crew win the Divison One 8+ event, and UGBC Women’s intermediate crew clocked the fastest time in the women’s final.
Well done to the organisers and volunteers that made the event possible and run smoothly throughout the weekend!
The points table for the Grand League will be posted on our social media sites later this week.
