Day two of the 2024 Australian Coastal Rowing & Beach Sprints Championships (ACRBSC), proudly supported by the Sunshine Coast Council, saw fierce competition across multiple categories, with the University of Queensland Boat Club (UQBC) making waves in the Under 19 Women's and Men's Beach Sprint Solo races.
In the Under 19 Women's Beach Sprint Solo, UQBC's Astrid Thomas delivered a standout performance, claiming the title with a time of 3:11.07 in the final.
The Under 19 Men's Beach Sprint Solo featured a highly competitive field, where UQBC's Sam Forbes, expertly guided by boat handler Laryssa Biesenthal, clinched first place in the time trial with an impressive 2:48.17.
Forbes maintained his momentum in the A Final, securing gold with a swift 2:26.93.
Mosman Rowing Club's Oscar Scheel-Gamborg also made a strong showing, topping the B Final with a time of 2:47.89.
In the Open Women's Beach Sprint Solo, UQBC's Elizabeth Newell took gold with UTS Haberfield's Georgie Rowe claiming the silver.
Meanwhile, in the Open Men's Beach Sprint Solo, Palm Beach SLSC’s Daniel Johnston claimed first place with a remarkable time of 2:25.45, closely followed by WARC’s Blake Whyatt, who captured the silver.
Adding to the excitement, Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli visited the event this morning to enjoy the races and present medals for the Under 19 Women’s and Rowing Australia’s President, Stephen Donnelley, presenting for the Under 19 Men’s Beach Sprint Solo.
Both their presence highlighted the significance of this prestigious event, which has brought together top beach sprint and coastal rowers from Australia and international competitors from Vanuatu and New Zealand.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, the competition intensifies with the big-boat rounds of the Beach Sprints.
Athletes will go head-to-head, vying for a spot on the podium in what promises to be a thrilling display of skill and determination.
The event will continue to feature a blend of seasoned competitors and rising stars, all eager to leave their mark on this exhilarating form of rowing.
This year's ACRBSC not only serves as the Oceania Beach Sprint Championships but also as a critical lead-up event to the World Rowing Coastal Championships and World Rowing Beach Sprint Regatta in Genoa, Italy, in September.
In preparation for the global stage, Rowing Australia’s High Performance team conducted a training camp in Mooloolaba, allowing athletes to fine-tune their skills while taking advantage of the Sunshine Coast’s exceptional facilities.
To stay up to date with the latest results, news, and highlights from the Australian Coastal Rowing & Beach Sprints Championships, visit our website and follow us on our socials.
Don’t miss a moment of the excitement!
Images: Patrick Boere Photography