Friday saw crews gather, for what would have undoubtedly been an excellent event, the Irish University Championships at Castlewellan. The event got underway with heats for the Men’s Inter sculls, when conditions started getting rough around the stake boats due to high wind. As more heats took place, it appeared the weather was only getting worse. Eventually the decision was made to cancel all races in the interest of safety. This was a huge disappointment for all organisers and competitors, and to the two MN4+ crews who were preparing for an interesting final after qualification. Such conditions have not been associated with the course over recent years and perhaps were partly due to Easter falling much earlier this year. Saturday proved the same story for what would have been Queens Regatta. All races were again cancelled.
The University Championships have been rescheduled to take place at Dublin Metropolitan Regatta which is scheduled for May 31st. Fortunately the Wylie Cup is still up for grabs this year and competition should prove fierce.
Great thanks must be paid to all those who spent many hours organising Queen’s Regatta and Uni Champs, provided launches and equipment, in particular Gavin (Captain), Johnny (BRC) and Ricky (LVBC) for all their hard work. If weather permits, next year should help restore the event’s excellent reputation.