First Regattas of the season

Much racing went on this weekend. Saturday was the University Championships and Sunday Skib' Regatta. UCC had 9 crews racing on Saturday and 8 crews on Sunday. The theme of the weekend was race experience and winning this with 9 2k races over the 2 days was Ronan, twice on Sunday he jumped out of the single and straight into the coxed four. There were no wins for UCC crews but of far more importance at this stage is what has been learnt from the weekend. Particularly pleasing to see the Novice 4 on Sunday rowing long to control a race from start to finish. As I was a little busy the only picture I managed to take was the evidence of how much novices listen when it comes to nutrition advice (see below):

Tadhg's pre-race snack...

Meanwhile out in Italy Niall and Justin were representing Ireland and UCC at the International Regatta in Piediluco. Justin in the single and Niall in the Lightweight 2x along with Mark O'Donovan (CIT). Justin who is still U23 was racing at full Senior level and gained valuable racing experience. Niall in the lm2x raced well on both days to be very competitive with other crews that will be racing for the last 2 qualifying places in this boat class at the Olympic Qualification Regatta in Lucerne in May. The crew came away from the weekend with 2 bronze medals.

Niall Kenny and Mark O'Donovan

Well done to all UCCRC members who raced over the weekend. April racing is always an eye opener, especially for those crews and athletes racing side-by-side for the first time ever.