Organisers are playing catchup at the National Rowing Championships after high winds wreaked havoc on the first day at Twizel.
Photo: Rowing NZ
The five day regatta started well with the predicted rain making way for clear skies and light winds, however by lunchtime Lake Ruataniwha was being battered by strong winds, forcing racing to be put on hold until 6pm when the remaining races were restarted but reduced to 1000m.
Racing was eventually called off at 6.40pm due to wind conditions.
The reduced programme of events still featured some exciting heats with crews jostling for the top spots to progress through the regatta.
The women's club eight was the race of the morning with Petone reigning supreme, crossing the line just over four seconds ahead of Auckland's West End Rowing Club and Wellington's Star Boating Club crossing the line for third.
Avon Rowing Club powered away from their competition in the second heat of the men's club eight, finishing an impressive 13 seconds ahead of the rest of field to secure a place in the A final along with Hawke's Bay Rowing Club who claimed the top spot in their heat.
The rest of the field will face a repechage in order to progress.
Only 0.37 seconds separated the top two crews in the men's premier coxless quadruple sculls with Auckland RPC's Isaac Grainger, Stephen Jones, Lewis Hollows and Giacomo Thomas nudging out the Central RPC crew of Jack O'Leary, Chris Harris, Troy O'Reily and Karl Manson to finish in a time of 6:22.48.
Racing continues today with further heats and repechages.
