BOATS could be swamped and even sink if the Sark to Jersey rowing race goes ahead tomorrow. Up to 40 boats are expected to be crowding on to the start line in Sark’s Dixcart Bay weather permitting - but the forecast is proving a real headache for organisers and crews and it is touch and go whether it will go ahead.
Gone are the days of the split start, separating fixed and sliding seat classes, and back in is the mass start.
And for the first time in the race’s long history dating back to 1967, a sliding seat boat is virtually guaranteed to be first across the finishing line.
Almost as certain, and barring a nightmare row, it is likely to be Guernsey’s top men’s four, Racing Line.
Winners in 2005, but unable to defend their title last year, they remain Guernsey’s top team.
‘One does not look to set oneself up for a fall but if you base the predictions on current form alone we are unbeaten in the Channel Islands for three years,’ said skipper Joe Paul.
‘If we are presently the top crew unless we cock-up we should be able to win the race,’ he added.
The biggest obstacle though looks set to be the marginal weather for the rest of the crew, which includes Matt Harradine, Paul Isaacs, Paul Montague and cox Neil Brennan.
‘The only reservation we have is the weather forecast, which is continuing to be unsettled. It will be wind against tide which will rough the course up,’ said Paul.
Boats could be battling against force four or five strong southerly headwinds between 13 and 16mph.
‘I don’t think there is any chance of breaking any records - and I would not be surprised if there were some swampings and possibly sinkings. I just hope we are not one of them,’ he said.
‘I would suggest it will be a very uncomfortable row and very messy for everyone and the organisers are having to look at things very closely.
‘We want the race to go ahead but safety remains a paramount concern. If they think they will be putting anyone in harm’s way they would have no choice but to postpone it for two weeks. If it was dangerous they would not run the race,’ said Paul.
Organisers will evaluate the weather today and tomorrow morning - anything below 14 knots they are likely to row, anything above they are unlikely due to insurance purposes alone.
All four Guernsey men’s fours teams are racing the locally designed and built lightweight wash-deck boats against Jersey’s top team Brewin Dolphin, who will be competing in their traditional hull.
Following Brian Staples’ retirement from the Sark to Jersey, Guernsey’s most experienced rower is Dave Perrio, who will be competing in the pairs with Karl Pedersen.
The 54-year-old completed his first Sark to Jersey in 1968 aged 14 and has rowed every one since 1977.
‘I think it’s marginal whether it will go and it’s right on the edge on whether it’s rowable,’ he said yesterday.
‘You could be looking at six to eight foot swells with water breaking off the tops and then it gets dangerous.’
‘It will be one of the harder rows. It would be a long, hard row and a bit of a battle to the Paternosters but should improve after that. It’s going to be a long haul and some of the novice crews may struggle to get to the corner with headwind and heavy sea,’ he said.
In the women’s fours, Jersey’s Moore Stephens are expected to romp home again, although Guernsey’s Skipton First Call crew could spring a surprise.
All are welcome to watch the finish of the prestigious event.
There will be no parking at Bonne Nuit, including the pier, but a courtesy bus will be running from Les Platons car park from 7.30am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 5.30pm.
Article posted on 29th June, 2007 - 12.00am
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