A new Sark to Jersey concept
THE domestic rowing championship season may go ahead in full – albeit virtually – even to the extent of a very new-look Sark to Jersey.
Guernsey Rowing Club captain Sam de Kooker has decided that he wishes to replicate the season by organising Zoom meetings and staging races from their standard calendar on Concept2 ergometers.
Racing starts this Saturday with a makeshift St Sampson’s to St Peter Port event over 3.1km.
This weekend’s outing will form part of a season-long championship, confirms the captain, and the use of video conference app Zoom will even allow rowers to socialise en masse after each race.
‘There’s quite a few Concept2 challenges happening at the moment,’ said de Kooker.
‘More and more people have managed to get hold of Concept2s and want a bit of competition.
‘I had a chat with a few members and decided that we would try and put together some virtual racing soon. We will use the same scoring system but it will be for individuals rather than crews.
‘The main thing is to make it fun and it gives it that competitive edge and keeps people motivated with their fitness.
‘Hopefully we will have some of the season on the sea.’
De Kooker also confirmed that he has discussed with sister isle representatives the prospect of a virtual Sark to Jersey.
The 26km ‘S2J’, the annual Channel Islands rowing spectacle, was due to unfold on 4 July and Guernsey currently hold the inter-insular Le Poidevin Trophy.
‘We plan to look at how we can do that,’ added de Kooker. ‘We’ll see how this one goes on Saturday.’
More details are available on the GRC’s Facebook page ahead of a 6.30pm start on Saturday.
