Irish crews had another dramatic day at the World Masters Regatta in Slovenia.
The 'C' four of Rob Forde, Pat Fowler, Oisín McGrath and Gary O'Neill (average age 43 or more) claimed the first Irish win of Thursday – but only after being moved to a succeeding race because they were wrongly judged to have been late for their heat. The winner of each heat of the huge event takes a medal.
Other Irish crews to win included the Neptune pair of John Hudson and Gerry Murphy and single scullers Sean Heaney and Denis Crowley.
Three Irish composite men’s eights had to settle for second behind Austrian, German and Russia crews – all three races came in quick succession and the first and third were decided by just over and just under a second.
Back in Ireland, the Irish Offshore Championships have been shortened to one day, Saturday, September 9th, because of predictions of very high winds on the Sunday.
The event, which has grown quickly in size in the past three years, will be run over a 4km, seven-turn course off Arklow.
Rowers will be glad to see that Hurricane Irma is set to miss Sarasota-Bradenton, the site of the World Championships at the end of the month.
The storm may sweep up to the east of Florida – but rainfall is Sarasota could be considerable and a nine-foot storm surge is expected along the Gulf Coast.
In Manatee County, which neighbours Sarasota, officials have issued a voluntary evacuation for residents. It will take effect Friday at 8 am, local time. Road tolls in the state have been lifted.
It is unlikely that the World Championships could be refixed for another venue if there is major damage from Irma or succeeding hurricanes.
Fisa, the world governing body, had made no official comment about the weather in the area by Thursday night. It is understood that they have been in contact with team managers.
This is the first time in 23 years that the World Championships has been granted to an American venue. The hosts have picked a huge team of 75 competitors and three spares. Irish American Michael Clougher has been chosen as the men's single sculler for the US team.
