The conditions were described as true coastal rowing conditions with the more experienced coastal rowers about to take advantage of the waves by surfing on them.

France made a clean sweep of the women’s solo by winning all of the top three places. Finishing first by five seconds was Jessica Berra. Berra, 25, also competed at last year’s coastal championships and said after the race, ” I am too happy. I was far behind and in the last very difficult part I managed to come back and win!” Edwige Alfred was second with Stephanie Chantry third.

The women’s coxed quadruple sculls had France’s crew from Cassis finishing easily ahead, 13 seconds ahead of locals Greece, from the Thessaloniki nautical club. Switzerland’s crew was third, beating out Spain in a very tight finish. Gold medallist Emma Denjean commented that the weather suited their crew, ” It was tough but real coastal conditions. The very strong wind was what we were waiting for!”

Silver medallist Styliani Koumpli said despite being on their home course, they were not used to these conditions, ” We are a little bit disappointed as we lost directions to the last buoy. It was the first time for us in these weather conditions. The feeling in the boat was not too good as it was our first real coastal race.”

Last year’s medallist, Peter Berg of Sweden dominated the men’s solo race finishing over a minute ahead of second placed Simone Martini of Italy. Martini received a 60 second penalty but still finished second ahead of Alberto Etxarte Zambrano of Spain.

Diane Delalleau and Nathalie Collet of France proved to be successful in the women’s double sculls. They won over Spain with France’s number two crew finishing third.

Italy found medal success in the men’s coxed quadruple sculls earning both the gold and the bronze medals, while Hungary finished second.

The Italians struck gold again in the men’s double sculls with Federico and Francesco Garibaldi claiming it was the hardest race of their lives. The Italian crew of Andrea Milos and Stefano Donat also took silver. Olympians, Apostolos and Nikolaos Gkountoulas of Greece finished with the bronze medal in their first major coastal rowing event. ” It really was a fantastic race. The conditions were changing all the time which obliged us to stay very focused all the time. In the last stretch you could just go down and continue,” said Apostolos.

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Medal haul for France at Coastal Championships

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