Hong Kong rowers were almost blown off course in Sydney - but national coach Chris Perry was far from unhappy.
The SAR squad had to put up with sub-standard racing conditions after being invited to the Australian National Championships at the much-criticised 2000 Olympics venue this week.
Perry confirmed that some lanes at the multi-million dollar course were faster than others as the protective banking affords some lanes better protection from the cross winds than others.
Australian crews seeking selection for the Olympic squad were given the faster lanes, while foreign crews were allocated the less favourable ones.
Asian Games silver medallist Fenella Ng Gar-loc was one of the first to suffer.
'In her first race, Fenella was put in the outside lane - which was the most windy - and could not qualify for the main semi-final,' explained Perry.