New GigRower Stream Team commentator Jay Smith took to the microphone like a duck to water at the Women’s Newquay County Championships, sponsored by Doom Bar on September. Ably assisted by Stream Team veteran Steve ‘Locky’ Lock, Jay enjoyed his first venture into livestreaming, agreeing to take up the role again for the Men’s Championship later in September.
Photo credit: Mark Gilronan
The Saturday of Women’s racing kept Jay busy as Round 1 swiftly followed by Round 2 packed an incredible 30 races into one day.
The top two crews from Round 2 happily proceeded to the second day, which provided continuing lumpy conditions creating challenging conditions for race officials, stream team members and rowers alike.
Photo credit: Felix Lane
The top 2 crews from the Quarter Finals proceeded to the Semi-Finals leaving 18 crews fighting it out for the coveted 6 places in the Final.
In Race 1 of the Semi-Finals, despite Fowey A having to turn the first mark on the outside of Caradon A they chased them down during the second leg, passing them the second mark to secure themselves a place in the Final. Caradon’s hard work paid off with their fast time qualifying them for a place also.
During the second Semi-Final Coverack gave a decisive performance to guarantee themselves a berth in the Final with Charlestown chasing them all the way to also get through to the Final on time.
Helford laid down the gauntlet and took control of third Semi-Final with efforts from second place holders Charlestown A proving sufficient for a place in the Final.
In the Final Fowey A’s determination to secure the first mark was thwarted by Helford who had drawn the inside berth in the club’s own boat Pedn Billy. During the two laps Fowey worked hard to stay in touch with Helford and regain the pole position expected of them since their victory earlier at beginning of the season on the Isles of Scilly at the World Pilot Gig Championships. Despite an apparent overlap on the last mark Helford pulled away inspired by the cheering of supporters on the shore with the crew members sharing a joyous and heartfelt celebration on the finish line.
Four seat rower, Lena Oldrieve said, “Winning Newquay County Championships is particularly special because it is such an endurance event. Crossing the finish line in front at the end of the two lap final was a fantastic moment for the crew. We have had an entirely new bowside since the World Championships in the Isles of Scilly; Ellie Brittain-Long in 3 only joined the crew 3 weeks ago. We are absolutely delighted to have finished the season with this incredible result!”
Photo credit: Mark Gilronan
Bow rower, Ottie Skewes added, “It was a result for the whole club, those who spend hours in the winter maintaining the boats and members of the women’s squad who swapped in and trained with us throughout the summer. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our club members and we are so grateful to them all!”
Photo credit: Mark Gilronan
Results
1st – Helford A
2nd – Fowey A
3rd – Caradon A
4th – Coverack A
5th – Truro A
6th – Charlestown A
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