Great results for Aberdyfi Rowing Club on Saturday, September 21^st , when members took part in two prestigious events – The London Great River Race held down south on the Thames , and also The Monster the Loch Challenge held on Loch Ness up north in Scotland.

The Great River Race is an annual spectacular boat race held on the river Thames covering 21.6 miles and open to any traditional coxed boat propelled by oars or paddles .

Aberdyfi Rowing Club has taken part in this event many times before and this year two teams – a men’s and a ladies crew – travelled down to London to take on the challenge once more.

Ladies Captain Tracey said, ” As a club we love this event – it is a fabulous challenge and also great fun !  We left our decision to take part a bit late this year  but we managed to enter at the last possible moment.”

“  Because of this late decision our training was less than perfect and both teams felt a little unprepared”

“ After 12 hours on the road and unloading boats the fun began ! “

“ The atmosphere on race day didn’t disappoint and 265 boats took to the water an hour before the start – a logistical nightmare for the organisers and the coxes!”  Aberdyfi men started 129^th and Aberdyfi ladies started 137^th.”

“Conditions were rough at first on the Thames with many boats taking on a lot of water- including our men’s boat - Colin up to his waist in water as passenger and Izzy on our boat also getting soaked!. A few boats had to be rescued and pulled out of the race.”

“ The atmosphere was amazing, with crowds cheering from the bridges and Aberdyfi boats got a lot of support from the crowds. So much fun on the water, banter between crews ( the occasional cross words!) but so many smiles and good humour !

“We are thrilled with our results with Aberdyfi men crossing the line 6^th fastest and the 1^st Men’s Celtic longboat to finish, followed 15 minutes later by Aberdyfi Ladies who had the 39^th fastest time and were 1^st Ladies Celtic Longboat to finish and 8^th Celtic overall.”

“ We all enjoyed the afterparty , despite the marquee and surrounding tents being underwater due to the incredibly high tide - what a laugh!"

“ It was a fantastic experience and special thanks must go to our boat tower Tom – we couldn’t have got there without him!”

“ While our two crews were taking on the Thames in London three of Aberdyfi scullers – Bob , Javi  and Alice were up in Scotland taking on the Monster the Loch Challenge on Loch Ness.. Monster the Loch Race is 21 miles long in amongst fantastic scenery and is open to human powered boats of all shapes and sizes.  Our scullers did really well – Bob and Javi in a double scull were 31^st out of 112 competitors and Alice in a single was 46^th out of 112 competitors “

A brilliant weekend and great results for Canvas Holidays Voucher Codes & Aberdyfi Rowing Club!