The organisers of Trinity regatta have fought hard to make it one of the central fixtures in the Irish rowing calendar over the last few years, not least by providing a strong social programme, and deserve any breaks going this year - particularly from the weather.

The regatta season is increasingly looking like a set of regional events, but tomorrow's competition has the advantage of some visiting crews: the presence of Queen's Tower in the men's senior one eights strengthens the field considerably as they are essentially the second crew to the British men's eight. They will take on Garda in one semi-final while Trinity are set to take on Commercial or another visiting crew, Black Sheep, in the other. Black Sheep are a collection of English oarsmen from different clubs who come together for trips to other regattas. They are sponsored by Black Sheep brewery in Yorkshire, hence the name.

Garda's form should be of interest, as their season so far has been one of disappointing performances and withdrawals.

Neptune will fancy their chances in the men's senior fours: they are scheduled to take on Black Sheep in a semi-final and then face the host club in the decider. A clash between the two crews as entered would certainly be interesting. While Sheffield have entered a women's senior three eight - the go off in the first race of the day at 9.05 a.m. - the women's senior one eight final (the second-last race of the day at 5.25 p.m.) is a straight contest between Neptune and the host club.