2022 Australian Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprint Championships
These inaugural Australian Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprints Championships were conducted at Noosa Queensland on 18-21 August 2022.
Being a surf beach, the conditions proved to be even more challenging than the equipment allowed. Racing in the finals of the Mixed Masters Quad and the Mixed Open Quad, scheduled on 20th August, were cancelled due to damage to boats and therefore availability of equipment. Medals were awarded based on the time trial results in the morning. Additionally, the Mixed Under 21 Quad scheduled for the next day were cancelled. The quads were severely damaged.
On the next day, the following notice was provided: In consultation with the President of the Jury and the Event Safety Coordinator, based on current wave heights and forecast tide and increased wind conditions, the decision has been made to cancel racing for the remainder of the day. We understand that this is disappointing, however, this decision has been made in the best interests of the safety of all competitors and officials on water. Medals for finals not yet raced will be awarded based on times from the previous round of racing.
Whilst it is an open water event, the boats do have their limitations.
Organising Committee: The Championships were conducted by Rowing Australian's events team headed by Alice Evans in conjunction with Rowing Queensland. Key other personnel included Chris Grummitt (timing and IT), Brett Ralph (technical delegate), Kerryn Briody (safety officer)
Race Director: Cam Allen
Commentators: Lucy Benjamin and James Rook
Jury: Nick Hunter (President of the Jury), Ross Ford, Krystin Munro, Caroline Schomberg, Zara Underwood, Joe Jackson, Paul Knight, Ashley Dillon, David Grubits, Alan Butorac, Catherine Garrington, Karen Mills, Phil Fraser
Sources
Results from Rowing Manager - rowingmanager.com/regattas/5706
Images courtesy of Rowing Australia
Organising Committee and Jury from Alice Evans and Grant Ford