Tenby Sharks bite the Irish!

With great optimism, the senior Tenby men's, Celtic longboat team departed their headquarters at The Surflink centre on South Beach, bound for Cork to compete in the Irish Ocean to City challenge race. This 15 mile endurance event, attracts over 100 entries of traditional rowing craft from far and wide. Spirits were however, soon dampened, when before New Hedges, it was discovered that the flagstaff carrying the Welsh dragon on the racing longboat Summer Spectacular had come adrift. Despite a return search, it was not to make it to the Emerald Isle. A quick stop had to be made en route to acquire a new flag and broomstick! Race day dawned with heavy grey skies and strong winds over Crosshaven. The course officials deliberated, before postponing the start, they considered cancelling the event, but decided to allow safety vessels to recheck the course. The decision was made, the race was on, but with stern warnings that the conditions were particularly difficult, and that race may be terminated at Monkstown, the half-way point. After scrutinising, and further safety briefings, the reduced field of 79 boats lined up for the timed start nearly an hour late, with the slowest boats first away. Tenby Sharks lined up with the other Celtic longboats, confident in their ability, and that of the seaworthiness of Summer Spectacular. As the starting horn signalled the Celtic longboats away, it soon became apparent that The Sharks were in for a gruelling race. The Fishguard vets team, competing in Cwch bill bar 5 pulled out a small lead. With determination, the Tenby four of Jonathon Miller, Gary James, Nick Tebbutt and Frank Miller, ably coxed by Rachel Hughes, stayed with Fishguard. Both boats soon began to open up a lead on the rest of the field as the longboats coped well with the Atlantic swell, driven by strong winds. The two Welsh rivals were soon overtaking many slower craft that had started earlier. The advantage was still with Fishguard, and with the race a third distance run, the Fishguard crew made a tactical crew position change. The Sharks, sensing blood, put in 50 hard strokes, which saw the Tenby crew take class lead for the first time. Rounding the next marker, the Estuary opened up, with a nasty cross wind. Tenby Sharks elected to take, the most direct starboard route, but wily Fishguard, race veterans and past event class winners, elected to take the port route. Tenby hearts sunk, as after three miles of constant pressure, with a difficult crosswind and squally showers, the estuary narrowed to see Fishguard with a significant lead. To add to the sharks anguish, The Irish longboat, Gallyflash 3, a craft of similar length to that of the Celtic Longboat, but lighter, and with finer lines, that had also taken the port passage, was now pushing the Sharks hard. With renewed determination and resolve, the Tenby crew were not going to let the Irishmen have an easy time. Soon closing the gap on Fishguard, who in turn responded to the frantic pace, with three crews match racing side by side. It was later commented upon by many crews, that the sight of these three craft bearing down on them at such speed, with large bow waves and all oars in perfect harmony, was a magnificent sight, and an experience to remember! With Jonathon (in his first race in the senior boat), controlling the bow oar with expertise, Gary and Nick in the powerhouse, pulling well, with all their might, and Frank controlling the stroke and pace, Summer Spectacular powered up the River Lee. It was to be over two miles of punishing, exhausting competition, before Fishguard were the first to tire. The Tenby Sharks continued to fight the Irish before the advantage of the Irish longboats racing design was to prove too much for the Sharks. Now with only a mile to the finish, the Tenby oarsmen, with resolute determination, and encouraged on by Rachel, continued to the finish line, in style. With a deafening cheer from the large crowd, it was announced that Summer Spectacular was the first Welsh boat to cross the line. Further honours were to follow when it was confirmed that the Tenby team were the class winners and placed fifth overall with a time of one hour 42.55. Fishguard were class runners-up, finishing one minute 13 seconds later. The overall winner of the 2007 Ocean to City, traditional rowing boats, was also confirmed as Clare Curragh 3hd, in a time of two hours 06.06. The drama of the event was complete, or so it was thought, but as the crews headed home the following day, Cwch bill bar 5 parted with it tow, before coming to rest, embedded in the side of a new BMW, parked on the forecourt of the main dealership. Fortunately, no-one was hurt. The Celtic longboat suffered serious, but repairable damage, but the car was not so lucky. Shortly after the incident, The Trinity House, Thames waterman's cutter, Trinity Tide team on their way home to Essex, were able to assist the stricken Fishguard team with transport home. Many thanks must be extended from the Tenby Sharks, Summer Spectacular team: to Stena Line; Chris Brace, of N. D. Toy and Partners; Mike and Ricky, of Rumbleway Garage; Paul Evenden, of Park Road Garage; Paul Hoyland, of Tenby Tyres; Neil Finlay, of Pentlepoir Car Sales; Richard, of Tenby Glass; Sandyhill Nurseries; Idris Williams, building; Julian Edwards, plumbing; Ivor Addis, for their generous sponsorship. Without their contributions, Tenby would not have been able to participate in the event. If anyone would like to try sea rowing, you will be made most welcome at training sessions at Surflink, South Beach, Tenby, on Tuesday and Thursdays at 6 pm and Sunday Mornings at 9.30 am. • If anyone knows the whereabouts of the club's dragon and staff, they would appreciate its return.