Racing has had a good run this morning with a cool overcast morning with hardly a breath of wind. Already there have been some close finishes - even when both the crews have already qualified. This is classic school rowing they fight tooth and nail even during the heats.
Most events have gone to form with the successful crews from the NISS and SISS champs proceeding. Early form coming from Hamilton Boys, Roncalli and Rotorua Boys and Marlborough Girls, Rangi Ruru and St Peters in the Under 18 Pair.
In the Boys Under 17 fours Dunstan HS produced the fastest heat time in the 3rd Heat and will join Christs College and Hamilton Boys directly in the final on Friday.
While Wanganui Collegiate Boys are not as strong as previous years the girls continue to show good form under the guidance of Fiona Symes, her Under 17 eight easily leading Rangi Ruru home with Nelson Girls, coached by Ian Weenik, winning the other heat. Ian is a canny coach and while the collegiate time is 8 seconds faster the Nelson Crew looked to be doing just enough to win their heat.
In one of the most highly competitive events, the Girls Under 16 coxed fours, most of the recognised schools are in the mix - one that seems to be the odd one out is Sacred Heart College from New Plymouth. Placed second in their heat to Marlborough College they are in fact a Novice crew and will appear again in the Under 18 Novice Coxed fours and two members of the crew will contest the Under 15 Double Scull later today.
The cool weather seems to be catching a few out from a medical point of view with those prone to asthma ending up in some difficulty. While unable to confirm the reason quite a few have alreadty had to be taken out of the boat at the finish and taken into St John's care.