Congratulations to a number of our members who completed the Monster the Loch race on Saturday!
The Aquaphobes squad sent a Masters E coxed four, comprising Lucio Cicolecchia (B), Dave Meredith, Neil Sparnon, Matt Garley (S), Emma Smith (C) and a single sculler (Simon Watson) up to Scotland last weekend to compete on the 21 mile (33km) course between Dores and Fort Augustus which lie at opposite ends of Loch Ness. Open to all types of human-powered craft that can withstand waves of over 1 metre high, with occupants that can cope with water at 6 degrees C, the entries can include self-built rowing boats, 18-man dragon boats, kayaks, outrigger canoes and even pedalos as well as coastal rowing boats and gigs.
The "Loch Phobes" 4+ completed the course in just under 2hrs 45 minutes, placing them 11th of 112 finishers, and Simon finished 93rd in just under 4 hours. The rowers and their supporters reported that it was an awesome race with a fantastic atmosphere complete with bagpiper sounding the start. The finish was pretty rough as the wind had picked up, with waves crashing on the shore, and fog coming down. It is an inspiration to see what Cantabs rowers can achieve when they set their mind to it and train hard!
📸 Rebecca Cicolecchia
