Menai make it two in a row
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Conditions were perfect for the rearranged Puffin Island Challenge Race on Saturday, as seventeen boats from eight clubs took to the water for the 18 km race.
Setting off around an hour after low water, the boats jostled for position in relatively shallow water, all mindful of the prevailing wind blowing them perilously close to the start line.
The conditions made for a fairly chaotic start, with several oar clashes and even boat clashes as the fleet headed beyond the old swimming baths and into Fryar’s Bay.
Last year’s winning boat, Menai of Beaumaris, was one of several boats caught up in the initial melee but still managed to keep pace with the early leaders.
As the boats passed Porth Penmon and the old quarry, the fleet had split into two distinct races, with the first eight boats opening a gap on the rest as they headed for the island.
In a repeat of last year’s race, the first two boats around the eastern point of Puffin Island were Beca of Clwb Rhwyfo Porthmadog, followed by Menai. However, the tough waters around the northern part of the island proved to be the difference between the two crews.
Menai took full advantage of the tough conditions, rowing hard through the waves to pass Beca as both crews headed towards the famous Trwyn Du lighthouse and Perch Rock.
The rough waters around the island made for a difficult row for every crew and proved quite the attraction for the many island boat trips and their passengers, who were also circumnavigating the island.
Menai managed to hold off Beca in the race back to Beaumaris, winning in a time of 1 hour 38 minutes 36 seconds and securing victory for the second year in succession. Beca finished 46 seconds behind, with Revi of Shropshire Adventure Rowing Club claiming third place, 1 minute 48 seconds behind Beca.
Ynys Môn’s Copar Ladis were the first mixed crew home, finishing in fourth place, with Blodwen of Clwb Rhwyfo Porthmadog winning the women’s race for the second year running.
As ever, the volunteers of Beaumaris Rowing Club provided an excellent post-race meal, with plenty of food — and cake — for rowers and supporters ahead of the prize-giving ceremony.
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