Prince Albert joins own rowing challenge

by Melissa Bray

Sitting with complete rowing ease in seven seat, Prince Albert II of Monaco demonstrated his technical proficiency in rowing by joining in on his namesake challenge, the third edition of Monaco’s Prince Albert II Challenge.

This coastal challenge event attracted more than 300 participants to the shores of Monaco competing in single, double, four and eight-person events. Prince Albert took the opportunity to invite his rowing side of the family.

Rowing is in the Prince’s blood. Grandfather to the Prince, Jack Kelly is considered to be one of the most accomplished rowers in history having won three Olympic gold medals for the United States. The Kelly rowing tradition was carried on through son, John B. Kelly, Jr., a four-time Olympian, and the Vesper Boat Club in Philadelphia, United States, still has many Kelly family members.

A reunion at the coastal challenge of many of Prince Albert’s cousins made up a composite crew of Vesper and Monaco rowers including Prince Albert sitting behind John Kelly III in stroke seat.

The Challenge events included both a five and 10km distance with Prince Albert’s crew finishing third in the 5km eights event.

Crews came from six different countries with the largest contingent, with 125, coming from Italy. For those invited the weekend started with a reception at the Palace. Then rowers got a day to practice and adjust to the new boats which were supplied by Monaco and neighbouring clubs. This was followed by a large dinner for everyone. Racing took place the following day in pleasant, sunny conditions with light winds.

Prince Albert’s handing out of the medals at the prize-giving gave the ceremony a special feeling and distinctive ending.

Coastal rowing will become a World Rowing championship event for the first time this year with Mandelieu, France playing host in October 2007. In 2008 the coastal rowing championships will move to San Remo, Italy.

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