Canada now has a total eight boats in weekend medal finals at the 2009 World Rowing Championships in Poznan, Poland.
A cross headwind greeted rowers today on the Lake Malta course, settling a bit as the day progressed. Canada had three entries in the semifinals for lightweight Olympic class boats this afternoon - the lightweight women's double, lightweight men's double and lightweight men's four. Two of the three boats advanced to the finals.
Lindsay Jennerich of Victoria, B.C. and Sheryl Preston of North Delta, B.C. - the lightweight women's double - were second in their semi to advance to Sunday's final. Greece won in 7:29.50, Canada finished in 7:31.57, edging out the Australians who crossed the line in 7:32.13 (top three in each semi go to finals).
The Canadians sat at fourth place for the first part of the race, but made a move at the right time to secure a spot in the medal round.
"We knew we had a strong middle 1000 (metres) in our back pocket," said Jennerich.
Preston agreed: "We have a lot of trust in each other. I have trust in Lindsay's (race) calls.... We've done a lot of racing and training together this year and that really showed in today's semi."
Jennerich and Preston competed at two World Cups this year - each time picking up a bronze medal. They will also face Germany, Great Britain and Poland in the final.
The Canadian lightweight men's double - Doug Vandor of Dewittville, Que. and Cam Sylvester of Caledon, Ont. - also advances to the final.
Italy won the semi in 6:36.18, France was second in 6:37.04 and Canada crossed the line third to qualify in 6:38.20. These crews will line up with New Zealand, Germany and Great Britain for a chance at medals on Sunday.
"We've been together long enough now that we know we have the experience, confidence and speed to make it happen," said Sylvester.
This lightweight double picked up two silver medals this year - at the World Cup races in Spain and in Lucerne.
"Since qualifying for the Olympics last year (also here in Poland), it's been like a dream partnership with Cam," said Vandor, who had to withdraw part way through the 2008 Olympic Games in China due to illness. "Our coach Mike (Spracklen) sets high standards and that really pays off." Veteran Vandor has rowed for Canada since 2001.
The lightweight men's four of Mike Lewis of Victoria, B.C. Terry McKall of Edmonton, Alta., John Sasi of Delta, B.C. and Tim Myers of Penticton, B.C. had a tougher go, and finished sixth in the semi and will row in the B final. The Canadian boat led the field for around 1000 metres before getting passed by crews from home-country favourites Poland and then France, Italy, Japan and the Czech Republic.
Competition will be fierce over the weekend in Poznan.
"Overall, we've positioned ourselves very well with eight boats in the finals," said Peter Cookson, Rowing Canada Aviron's high performance director.
"There is an awesome work ethic within the group, and I'm proud of what we've done so far. But it isn't going to be an easy ride in the finals. The field really tightens up and there is going to be some exciting racing."
The first final for Canada will be the adaptive coxed four tomorrow, and the weekend finishes off with the men's eight medal race on Sunday.
Full results and reports at: http://www.worldrowing.com/