Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club has claimed an impressive 2nd place finish in one of the toughest coastal rowing races of the season after battling challenging conditions at the Round Hayling Rowing Race.
The Round Hayling Rowing Race is widely regarded as one of the most demanding events in the coastal rowing calendar, testing both stamina and seamanship.
The race is open to fixed-seat coastal rowing boats, with Yarmouth entering a mixed crew aboard its Cornish Gig Pilot Boat, Sea Spirit. A total of 18 boats competed across the various classes.
Strong winds of above Force 5 prompted organisers to shorten the course on safety grounds, reducing it to an 11-mile route within Langstone Harbour.
Starting and finishing at North Hayling, crews first rowed towards a section of Mulberry Harbour near Eastney in particularly challenging conditions before making the return journey with the benefit of easing winds and a favourable tide.
Despite the demanding conditions, Sea Spirit completed the course in 1 hour and 24 minutes, securing 2nd place in the Cornish Pilot Boat class and 2nd overall in the Super Veterans category.
Sarah Forster, Coach, has said:
“This was a successful day for our Open, Super Vets crew in challenging conditions.
Article continues below this advertisement “We rowed a shortened course due to the high winds and were able to make the necessary adjustments to our race plan, putting in a strong row throughout, particularly in the choppier parts of the course.
“Hard work and training sessions are paying off. This tough race produced another podium finish for the club.”
