Islanders sights set high in national boat race

A group of Guernsey rowers are hoping to secure a top 10 finish in the Monster the Loch race.

Guernsey is sending three teams to compete against about 100 crews rowing the length of Scotland's Loch Ness on Saturday.

Those taking part include international rowers and kayakers using vessels including self-built rowing boats and 18-man Dragon Boats.

Cox Nicky Will said: "It's a long race, 21 miles. So that's a big challenge for us. Completely different rowing conditions. We're used to waves, rocks, tides."

In 2023, 100 crews and 420 competitors from all over the World took part in the race.

The current record for the 21-mile course is held by the Great British 8s who clocked a time of two hours and four minutes.

Sam de Kooker said: "We've all been rowing all season, we've done about 15 races each, doing lots of training and some of us have been training through winter as well.

"The races that we do over here are probably the best preparation because you are into that higher level and higher intensity racing."

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