Monster the Loch race is a real record-breaker as hundreds hit Loch Ness
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ROWERS and paddlers from all over the world have pitted themselves against the waters of Loch Ness in a record-breaking challenge.
Around 270 participants gathered in Fort Augustus on Saturday for the second edition of the Monster the Loch race, with a variety of human-powered boats competing.
More than 60 vessels – which included rowing boats, kayaks and pedalos – set off on the 21-mile race along Loch Ness, setting new records in a variety of categories.
Team GB8 set a new rowing record on the loch by completing it in two hours and four minutes, with a double kayak (2h 20m) and a coastal rowing boat (2h 24m) beating the existing record of 2hrs 26.
Monster the Loch organiser, Pete Wells, said the race successfully built upon its debut, and that he hopes to attracting 100 boats next year. He said: “People came from as far as Australia, New Zealand and Peru to participate, alongside people from down the street.
“Racers enjoyed the views around the loch and we had an absolutely beautiful evening, despite having a rough time around Urquhart Castle: one of the boats was about to sink!” Competitors also raised funds for charities, and the event was supported by the RNLI.
