Aberdyfi rowers conquer Monster Loch challenge

TWO sculling crews from Aberdyfi Rowing club travelled up to Scotland to take on the 'Monster the Loch ' challenge race - a distance of 21 miles on Loch Ness from Fort Augustus to Inverness - held on Saturday, 19 September.

Loch Ness conditions can change quickly. Organisers specifically warn that the loch can be unpredictable, with wind and waves becoming a major factor.

Aberdyfi Rowing Club sculling captain, Neil Bullman said: "Competing in the men's double class were Javi Sanchez and Neil Bullman, with Ruth Evans and Dai Rice in the mixed double class.

"The race was scheduled to be the 21 miles as planned from Fort Augustus to Inverness but the weather had other ideas on the day.

"The wind was forecast on Saturday to be a steady 25mph gusting 40mph - which is gale force - so the organisers decided to shorten the race as the conditions at the end of Loch Ness were deemed to be too dangerous.

"So the race was then shortened to Invermoriston, then back to Fort Augustus.

"The race was started but none of the competitors were prepared for the conditions we experienced after the halfway turn back into the wind and the rain and hail that came with it.”

He added: "Although the race distance was now shorter, conditions were worse than anyone had rowed in before and there were several capsizes from other teams during the race.

"Luckily our two Aberdyfi crews proved their worth, kept in good spirits and successfully completed the course without mishap.

"Despite the conditions we all had a great time over the weekend and in great company.

“We especially enjoyed meeting crews from clubs from all over the world who had come to Loch Ness to take on the Monster Challenge.

"This year's Monster the Loch Challenge was certainly an event and an experience to remember.”