Fierce competition in novice race sees CUHK dominate both events
Coxswains found themselves facing an unusual challenge at the weekend's Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's annual Head of the Bay competition.
Most of the more than 150 oarsmen had only ever raced in a straight line on the Shing Mun River. The Bay course had three turns in it, making it difficult for the coxswains to guide their boats around them and not loose too much time.
The boats started in groups of six, with 30 seconds between each group. The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club won the Men's Open Coxed Fours competition, storming home in 11 minutes and 32 seconds. Hong Kong Baptist University was only eight seconds behind for second.
The Hong Kong youth Development Squad, entered under the name of Lok Tsui Rowing Club, scored a surprise victory in the Women's Open championship with a time of 13 minutes and 7 seconds. They beat the more experienced yacht club crew by 14 seconds.
The competition in the university novice section was keen.
