The Cantabrian Rowing Association (ARC) launches its first division, the ARC-1, this Saturday. Four crews are theoretically favorites to secure a spot in the main heat and compete for the two top positions that grant access to the play-off for promotion to the elite category, the Liga Eusko Label. Zarautz, Zumaia, Kaiku, and Deusto are the main contenders, although surprises are common in this second-tier league.
Half of the twelve boats in the silver category are from Gipuzkoa: Zarautz, Zumaia, San Pedro, Hondarribia B, and the newly promoted Orio B and Hibaika. The league is rounded out by the aforementioned Deusto and Kaiku, who competed in the first division last season and aim to regain their elite status, along with Arkote, Lapurdi, Astillero, and Pedreña.
The ARC-1 season will commence with an individual time trial in the Astillero estuary this Saturday (6:00 PM). Prior to this, the ARC-2 boats will also make their season debut (5:20 PM). On Sunday, the silver category traineras will race within the Bay of Pasaia for the Adinberri Trophy, in a race featuring six lengths and five turns (12:00 PM).
Zarautz, third place last season, aims to be in the main heat all year, according to their new coach, Gari Uranga. "The play-off is very far away, and we are not thinking about it yet," he stated. The team has made significant reinforcements with experienced and quality rowers after "three important departures."
Zumaia begins a new cycle under Mikel Portularrume. Despite a short roster after considerable effort to retain rowers, the coach urges "keeping our feet on the ground" and aims to "get into the main heat and keep improving."
San Pedro faces a year of "strong renovation" with Patxi Francés as the new coach and a very young team. The primary objective is to "save the season" and "finish in the middle of the table" if injuries are avoided.
Hondarribia B has a dual objective of "competing and developing rowers," according to coach Gonzalo Carrión. The second team from Bidasoa seeks to "avoid the play-off and fight to win the first heat."
Orio B returns to the silver category with "excitement," acknowledging they might be the "underdogs." Coach Anjel Larrañaga emphasizes the importance of developing their junior rowers, with the goal to "avoid direct relegation and not be in the play-off."
Hibaika returns to the ARC-1 after seven years "with enthusiasm," aiming to "secure permanence" after achieving promotion last year. Coach Dumitru Daniel Cobjuc anticipates "a very competitive league."
