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The SI Masters Regatta at Twizel struck weather problems today. The fog refused to lift enough to allow racing on the water to start. The water was flat and the wind was nonexistent but visibility was never good enough to allow safe racing.

The familiar Twizel boat park and spectator area is a construction site at the moment and competitors are having to detour around taped off buildings and holes in the ground. This is good news though for all of us who love the place. SIRI has acquired some substantial new buildings and is in the process of upgrading accommodation for rowers, officials and administrators. The harsh outlines of the new construction were softened by a lovely coating of hoar frost.

The organisers have risen to the challenge and the races that were to be held today are being held this evening, in the local Pub. The Top Hut will echo to the whirr of ergos and the cheers of the crowds – we hope.

More tomorrow when I am confident that the weather will allow real rowing to take place.

Duncan Holland