The Bee TS crew tackle the BTS Challenge. (1139530)

NOVICE crews made the most of the first handicap race of the Guernsey Rowing Club season as they claimed the top positions.

The BTS Challenge is one of the shorter races of the season, covering just short of 5,000m, but nonetheless provides much entertainment and excitement for both crews and spectators alike.

The course takes the fleet on a three-lap circuit of Havelet Bay, with four turn buoys on each lap as well as moored boats, crab pot bobbers and other marine traffic to navigate around.

It is the responsibility of the handicapper to ensure that both novice and experienced crews race on equal terms and in this case she got it right with the majority of the 27 crews all crossing the finish line within minutes of each other.

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