POOR WEATHER conditions has caused the Erne Head of the River Race to be cancelled, it has been confirmed.
It’s the first time the annual race has been cancelled in its 57-year history.
The Rowing Portora Club planned to host the race on a new course from Devenish Island, however changing weather conditions forced organisers to cancel the race because of fears over strong currents.
In a statement issued by the head of the Rowing Portora Boat Club, Derek Holland, he said: “It is with regret that we have had to cancel the 57th Erne Head of the River Race.
“The traditional course is unsafe because of the strong current, we had hoped to run the race over a new course upstream from Devenish Island. On Wednesday the forecast for Saturday was for very light winds. However, the forecast for Saturday has changed and winds are to strengthen; this makes the new course unsafe as well.
“The safety and well-being of all competitors is our primary concern, but water and weather conditions have left us no option but to cancel the race. We regret that that we are unable to go ahead with the event and apologise to all clubs and competitors for any inconvenience and the uncertainty of the last few days.
“Portora Boat Club looks forward to welcoming you all to Enniskillen and the Erne Head of the River Race in 2015 and wishes you all a successful season ahead.”
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