ROWERS were blessed with near-perfect sea conditions and bright sunshine at the Rock Regatta.

But the beautiful weather could not stop the event becoming characterised by controversy with a collision and disqualification in the first race.

Cotehele Quay Gig Club looked to be fourth coming into the first buoy turn in the ladies' veterans race but were in collision with Bude resulting in a broken pin and a drop down to 10th place.

Crew member Rita Hoile said: 'We tried very hard to get back into position but it was difficult to get our momentum back. We put in 100 per cent effort and considering what had just happened we did very well.'

Cox Joe Oddie appealed and Bude were subsequently disqualified from the race, leaving Cotehele ninth out of 16.

Cotehele's ladies' B crew secured 11th place. Squad leader Jane Fitzsimons said the team had a strong start, but unfortunately Rebecca Fierek's wrists started causing her serious pain and the crew slipped back.

Cotehele was one of just six clubs to field crews in both the U14s and U16s races, coming in fifth and fourth respectively. The team is proud of its burgeoning junior section run by Di Rogers and Sarah French. 

The ladies' A race saw Cotehele Quay row to second place behind Torridge in the second heat and 15th overall.

In the men's race Cotehele A competed in choppier water and the crew took 11th place with Cotehele Quay coming in seventh out of 29 overall.