Offshore course is good build-up for Sark-Jersey

TWO new records were set in the Guernsey to Sark rowing race. The dominant Skips 'R' Us partnership of Sarah Day and Paula Evemy claimed one in the women's sliding pairs.

They rowed a good course and kept the power on to pull away quickly from class rivals Schwing.

In clocking a time of 1hr 25min. 46sec., they left Schwing just over six minutes behind.

The mixed fours crew of Geomarine took the other record, leaving Channel Island Ceramics to finishing in a well-deserved second place.

Ben Byrom and Karl Guille had a tough battle for the fastest time in a single boat.

Byrom held a good course on the approach to Sark but was tested by the strong currents around the east coast of the island. Despite the aches and pains, he gave a determined last push and finished the race in 1-34-58 with Guille just minutes afterwards.

Tim Prout and Karl Pedersen lived up to the billing as pre-race favourites in the men's sliding pairs. They breezed through the course in their usual competitive style, producing one of the fastest times of the day.

The Blue Boat crew continued its winning way in the men's sliding fours with the fastest time of the day, but The Strokers produced the performance of the day.

With two of their regular team members unavailable for the race, Will Dodds and Paul Pierce called on stand-ins Phil Reid and Stewart Briggs.

Having managed only one quick practice prior to the race, coxswain Kerry Heaume had a challenge on her hands to keep the men in time and at the same time drive them on.

The Strokers started very strongly and had no trouble in pulling away from the rest of the fleet in their start slot.

Heaume, renowned for her excellent courses and risk-taking manoeuvres, held a good line towards Sark and proceeded to hug the east coast, narrowly avoiding rocks on one occasion.

A combination of experienced coxing, hard rowing and good teamwork from The Strokers earned them second place, their best result of the season.

This race was previously held in 2003, so rowers welcomed the return of the opportunity to practise offshore techniques in preparation for the Sark to Jersey in three weeks' time.

The rowers coped well with the hot conditions over the 14.8km course.

With a flat sea and a light breeze, the only surprise was that more records were not broken.

The next race is tomorrow at 6:30pm around Jethou.