WSR Joint League - Aberystwyth

Beaumaris Rowing Club travelled south to take part in the Welsh Sea Rowing Joint League races on a distinctly blustery early May bank holiday weekend. Nineteen rowers plus a band of dedicated supporters made the trip, forming 2 crews in both the Ladies and the Senior races and three crews in the Mixed.

The forecast looked a bit iffy and race day brought bright sunshine and ominously strengthening winds.... Undeterred, the Ladies crews in 'Menai' and 'Cybi' took to the water leaving the shelter of the harbour to find a tasty swell awaiting them. The triangular course, marked by friendly boats, promised a relatively straightforward southerly leg to start followed by a more daunting slog upwind before turning for home.

Conditions made the start challenging to say the least, with signals difficult to see and hear but all boats got away from the line. LLangwm and Aberdyfi crews made the early running but our Ladies got into their rhythm quickly to establish themselves in the race. Llangwm and Aberdyfi came back into view leading the pack with 'Menai' giving chase after a strong first leg. After an arduous row in difficult conditions 'Menai' were the first Beaumaris boat to cross the finish line in a fantastic fourth place overall. Our super-determined SuperVet crew battled round the course in worsening conditions to complete a race that nobody who took part will quickly forget.

Having watched the Ladies tackle the rollercoaster conditions the Beaumaris men were eager to have a go themselves. The Seniors boats launched and assembled in the harbour awaiting instructions to venture out into the melee. A couple of Celtic boats accompanied by safety crews were dispatched to check on conditions but quickly returned to report that sadly there would be no more racing... Conditions had worsened with increasing wind making it un-rowable so it was back to shore for refreshments and results.

It was a great shame that racing was curtailed but the Ladies enjoyed (or endured) a race that will live long in their rowing memory. Many thanks to all involved at Aberystwyth Rowing Club for their hospitality and for keeping us all safe to row another day.