Italy's Beach Resort watches coastal challenge

Crews from eight nations, many of them competing on the sea for the first time, took part in the 2005 World Rowing Coastal Challenge last weekend. Italy’s beach resort of Noli turned on fine weather and good seas for the race around the beachside six kilometre lap course.

The biggest event of the challenge, the senior men’s coxed quad, was won by Italy’s Elpis Forestale with four-time World Champion and current national team member Stefano Basalini sitting in stroke seat.  The crew finished in a time of 59 minutes for the 12km, two lap, distance.

The senior men’s double presented a nail-biter of a finish. France’s Yahan Farrugia and Romain Ferrando won the gold, but behind them a close three-way fight went on for second. Italy’s Enrico Perino and Luca Pirani of the Murcarolo Club ended with the upper edge over New Zealand and the Olimpica Salerno crew from Italy. Only 17 seconds separated these three boats after 12km, and over one hour, of rowing.

Covering a six kilometre distance Eugenia Sannita of Italy won the senior women’s single when she finished in 40 minutes. This was a clear four minutes ahead of second placed Nina Reid of New Zealand. Italy also won the women’s double with Ireland taking first as well as third place in the women’s coxed quad.

Coastal challenge press officer Marco Callai estimated an audience of 2,000 watched the racing from the beach and street.

Callai said he was very satisfied with the outcome; ?I want to thank all of the participants for their enthusiastic participation, in particular the Irish and Welsh.?

For more information go to: http://noli2005.ficsf.it/
 
Related Links
Preparing for this year’s coastal challenge
2004 coastal rowing challenge
2003 coastal rowing challenge

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