Strong winds in the days leading up to the Men’s Newquay County Championships, sponsored by Doom Bar, made for a lively sea state on the morning of Saturday 28th September. Unfortunately a yellow weather warning forecast for the following day led the organisers to cancel Sunday’s racing and announce an amended format with all the racing to take place on the Saturday.
This was well received by competitors who had seen Newquay Rowing Club deliver an excellent event the previous year when a similar situation unfolded due to bad weather.
Difficult conditions at the harbour entrance pushed the event start time back to 9.45am, with the 14 Round 1 races only completed at around 2pm. The amendment to the format meant that Round 2 was dropped entirely, with the first three across the line from the Round 1 heats progressing to the Quarter Finals.
The top 3 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 Falmouth B turning the first mark ahead of the fleet in Hope, Coverack chased them down during the second leg, passing them in Messack before the second mark to guarantee themselves a place in the Final.
Photo credit: Heather Wynn
During the second Semi-Final Falmouth A and Caradon A revisited their Senior Summer Series rivalry, tussling down the first leg with Falmouth A claiming the first mark and taking first place. In chasing them hard around the course and across the line, Caradon A secured a fast enough time to claim a place in the final.
Photo credit: Heather Wynn
The blazing pace of the third Semi-Final proved enough for Charlestown A in second place and Cadgwith A in third place to secure their places in the Final. The race was won by last year’s winners Looe A.
Photo credit: Heather Wynn
In the Final Falmouth A and Looe A met in a Championship setting for the first time since the extremely closely fought final at the World Pilot Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly, where the Looe crew pipped the Falmouth rowers to the post.
At Newquay, Falmouth A drew berth 1 for the two lap Final which proved crucial in securing the priority call for the first mark. Looe A followed them around in second almost dislodging the Falmouth rudder, followed by Caradon A, Charlestown A, Coverack A and Cadgwith A, despite efforts from Cadgwith to catch Coverack during the second leg, the order of boats was maintained until the end of the second leg with Falmouth A victorious and Newquay County Champions for 2024.
With boats on the water until 7pm, the presentation ended up taking place in semi darkness which only added to the celebratory atmosphere as crews enjoyed their moment on the podium in the glow of vehicle headlights. In true Newquay fashion, Newquay Rowing Club have once again hosted an exciting and most memorable event!
Nick George, CPGA Participant and Engagement Lead said ‘Whilst it is challenging to accommodate such a large number of races in a single day, the atmosphere for the final races really benefited from the change in format with more spectators staying to enjoy the presentation and post event celebrations in the bar!”
Photo credit: Heather Wynn
Newquay Rowing Club Rowing Secretary, Natalie Trebilcock said “We were delighted to welcome so many clubs back to Newquay and particularly pleased to see Crantock Rowing Club join us at this most traditional of gig rowing events, for the first time! Another fantastic year of competition here at Newquay with the gig crews demonstrating real skill and fitness in challenging North Coast conditions. Huge thanks to our sponsors; Sharp’s Brewery, St Justin, North Shore, Andyloos and Pauline’s Creamery for all their support and to the CPGA for aiding us with the organisation.”
Results
1st – Falmouth A – 24:57
2nd – Looe A – 25:33
3rd – Caradon A – 25:43
4th – Charlestown A – 25:59
5th – Coverack A – 26:13
6th – Cadgwith A – 26:37
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