A “dream come true” for Mark Schembri of Siġġiewi Rowing Club for being the first rower to cross the finish line in the 2024 Ocean to City 28km Endurance Regatta (Ireland) in a an Olympic-Type C1x single coastal rowing boat. This is also a first in Malta’s sports history where a Maltese registered rower won Gold in a Coastal Rowing race.
The Ocean to City Regatta is Ireland’s most elite long-distance rowing race attracting which sees hundreds of participants racing against each other annually in different types of boats. This Regatta has gradually evolved from its origin as a race for traditional fixed-seat boats into an all-inclusive rowing and paddling event which embraces everything from traditional wooden working boats, currachs, skiffs, gigs and longboats to contemporary coastal rowing boats, ocean racing shells, kayaks, canoes and even stand-up paddle boards. Awards are given to each type of boat with the Siġġiewi rower finishing first in his “C1x Single Coastal Rowing” category – the first Maltese rower to ever achieve such a result in an endurance rowing race – and fifth (from over 250 boats) overall.
Mark explained that the result achieved was not a streak of good luck but the result of hours and hours of training under the guidance of international coaches, both on land and in the sea. “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic. It takes sweat, determination and hard work.”
Siġġiewi Rowing Club President Prof. Joseph N Grima commended Mark’s performance and feels that this is just the beginning for Mark’s international rowing career. “Mark dream big, but works equally hard and knows how to stay focused with his feet on the ground. His hard work and positive attitude have started to bear fruit, but hopefully there is much more to come.”
Mark’s participation in this race was made possible though the financial assistance received from SportMalta though the 2024 International Participation Scheme.
