Sun finally smiles on city boat race

AS IF the sunburnt sunbathers needed reminding, the Cork Ocean to City rowing race proved this was a summer bank holiday par excellence.

For the first time in four years, the weather granted organisers their wishes and allowed the race to run its full course.

Previously, safety concerns restricted the length of the annual rowing race, but on Saturday, in early morning fog, the boats gathered at the start line at Crosshaven.

In perfect rowing conditions, the competitors turned at Roche’s Point to sprint back towards the city.

Hundreds of participants took part in the 24km event, with competitors from across Europe taking to a variety of crafts and helping to create a carnival-style vista across Cork Harbour.

Start-times staggered according to category guaranteed the flotilla of boats arrived at Lapps Quay, Cork, shortly after midday.

Crowds who thronged the quay-side watched the Bull Bay team from Bull Bay Rowing Club win in a time of 2 hours 30 minutes; the same crew clinched the veterans title.

The team’s 25ft celtic longboat finished ahead of other kayaks, currachs and rowing boats.

Padraig O’Duinnín, spokesman for race organisers Meithal Mara, said he could not have hoped for a better spectacle.

“Ocean to City has really come on strong and has grown in numbers and popularity each year, with 2008 proving that it is gathering more momentum each year.

“The huge numbers attending created such an exciting atmosphere to be immersed in all day. We are already looking forward to 2009.”