RHKYC Survive Day 1 at Henley Royal Regatta

June 28, 2012 - PRLog -- The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) men’s coxless four started Day 1 boating at 0900hrs to warm up for their 0940hrs heat in the Wyfold Challenge Cup.  However back in Hong Kong, members eagerly listening to live coverage via online radio were shocked to hear that the team had not shown up for the start.  Unlucky race 13 lived up to its reputation as in the warm up area and clear of any obstacles, the stroke seat rigger failed and broke into pieces.  Fortunately, however, the race was rescheduled to the last race of the day at 1945hrs. With the help of the Stewards, a replacement boat was arranged and rigged up in time for a brief practice during the tea time break.

The men's eight boated at 1700hrs for a 1740hrs start in their heat of the Thames Challenge Cup against Reading Rowing Club. RHKYC dominated from the start leading by a length within 200m. The crew continued to push away to take a solid win by four boat lengths down the 2,112m course.

“The crew performed perfectly to race strategy with a lightning fast start. People were cheering for Hong Kong all the way down the river bank and I was really proud to steer for the Club today.” said coxwain, Henry Dunlop.

The men's four set off for their rescheduled race at the very end of the day's racing programme with almost perfect conditions, but very little time to get used to the new boat.   After a solid and well-steered start, it was a battle with Thames Rowing Club all the way down the course. RHKYC kept the pressure on for the entire race with the boats side by side for the entire race. Little more than half a boat length divided the crews in the sprint for the finish, making for one of the most exciting races of the day as Thames held the RHKYC crew, to win by half a length.

John Skinner (stroke seat) of the four:  “The long training in Hong Kong paid off and made for a nail biting finish against a strong local club.”

The men’s eight now move forward and next face the USA’s Potomac Boat Club at 1000hrs on Thursday (1700hrs Hong Kong time).

Listen in live via Regatta Radio at http://www.regattaradio.co.uk/listen-live/