Racing the waves - Ocean to City 2010

"Damhanfhalla", Rocket Media's company currach was in flying form last week, in the Ocean to City 15 mile rowing race from Crosshaven to Roches point and back in to Cork City. The conditions were perfect for rowing, a beautiful calm day with a small bit of breeze to keep us cool.
There were over 74 boats taking part this year, from kayaks to coastal rowing boats and the 10 seater Bantry bay Longboats.

Competition was fierce amoung the currach's - our club Naomhóga Chorcaí has 7 currachs in the race and the friendly rivalry ensured a blistering pace was set. Rocket Media's boat tucked in behind the lead boat and we followed them out to Roches point. There was a nice bit of swell which Damhanfhalla handled admirably. We then headed straight back to Cobh harbour where the first of the crowds were gathered. Cheered on we rowed past the the old dockyards and Passage. By the time Blackrock Castle was sighted, we were three hours into the race and the team were getting tired. We had opened up a 2 minute lead from our closest currach. The heads were dipping so the captain roared and the last mile was torturous but the city was in sight and so too the finish-line. We crossed it after 3hours ans 15 minutes to claim the prize of fastest currach in our class. There was a fair few celebratory pints downed in the sextant and the cup was filled up a few times. Team Rocket  - uber alles!