Paula Van Katwyk cruised to victory in the ladies singles

Joe Paul and Paul Isaacs triumphed in the men's pair class as the Guernsey rowing season began on Saturday.

Twenty four boats competed in the club championship over a 3,100m time trial from St Sampson's to St Peter Port.

Competitors had to choose between the shorter route into the tidal stream or the longer less tidal route, in the season's shortest race.

Five crews competed in the men's pair but Paul and Isaacs finished fastest in a time of 15 minutes and 59 seconds.

Ladies pair Wheeler Developments powered their way home in 18.09.

The ladies single class was once more dominated by Paula Van Katwyk who finished in 22.49, nearly five minutes ahead of rival Carol LePage, while the men's single was won by Paul Montague in 19.15 with Neil Brennan, who took the longer route, placing second.

Guernsey Rowing Club Established in 1973 The shortest race is the St Sampson's to St Peter Port at 3,100m The longest is the Around Guernsey is 40,000m Competition is held in all classes for men, ladies and mixed

Two crews competed in the mixed pairs. Team FRM comprised of last-minute stand-in Andy Chapple who, along with Sarah Stonebridge, finished in 18.27 - 15 seconds ahead of experienced Steve Pipe and Liz Bellot. Both crews opted for the more direct route.

The ladies four saw CMC sirens top their class in a convincing time of 18.30. Coxed by Dan Tall, who chose an excellent course, keeping more in the tidal stream but taking the shorter route, the stylish girls finished 90 seconds ahead of 2 Degrees North, who probably suffered by carrying excess water due to a damaged boat.

In the men's fours class, team FRM were 40 seconds ahead of Bank Julius Baer, who are beset with injuries and are hoping they can establish a reliable line-up. Surprise package Thames River are settling into their rowing early and proved so by finishing just eight seconds behind the second placed crew, with the Fitness Factory taking fourth position.