THE CELTIC Challenge rowing race from Arklow to Aberystwyth has sadly been cancelled due to “very active low pressure systems” in the Atlantic.

It was reported in this week’s Cambrian News that rowers were preparing for the gruelling 90-mile overnight rowing race across the perilous Irish Sea.

But the race, which has become a biennial event since it began in 1993 and was due to test the endurance of rowers for a 13th time this year, has now been cancelled with organisers citing “very fluid” and “unstable” weather outlook for the weekend.

A statement from Michael Fothergill, Chairman of the Celtic Challenge committee, said: “The Celtic Challenge committee had an emergency meeting tonight to assess the conditions for the weekend.

“Like you all we have been watching the weather unfold over the last week or so.

“Our interpretation of this complex and ever changing scenario is as follows.

“The situation is very fluid and unstable, but even the best scenario does not provide us with the 36-hour safety window we require.

“Small windows do exist but are sandwiched between very active low pressure systems and we feel that we cannot take the risk with so many craft and so many lives.

“So it is with great regret that the 2016 Celtic Challenge will be cancelled.”

Dai Jenkins, another member of the committee, said: “One of the support boats for the Cardigan team, a 70ft ketch, left Falmouth harbour but had to turn back because of the weather.”

Mr Fothergill added: “The race party will take place on Sunday as planned at 7pm and you are all warmly invited to Rummers Bar in Aberystwyth. There will be food and music.

“There will be some sort of rowing event on the river using Aber’s boats on Sunday afternoon starting at 2pm, again you are warmly invited.”

Mr Jenkins confirmed the official twinning of Arklow with Aberystwyth will still go ahead, with the signing of documents at Arklow Town Council on Friday and Aberystwyth Town Council on Monday.