More than 160 rowers competed for their clubs at the first regatta of 1997 at Sha Tin Rowing Centre.
Ten awards were presented at the end of the day. The champion of Open 8+ was the University of Hong Kong, the first runner-up was Chong Heep Rowing Club, the second runner-up was Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, the third runner-up was Lion Rock Rowing Club and the fourth runner-up was the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
According to Ng Pak-chi of the Hong Kong Amateur Rowing Association, it was unusual to have a 3,000 metres race, as 2,000 metres was more common.
Each competitor started at 30-second intervals.
Angel Lau Yuen-ha, who raced for Lion Rock Rowing Club, said: 'Rowing is a very good exercise because it utilises every major muscle group of the body.
'Rowing can be done with single or double oars.