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As Ólavsøku approaches, excitement builds for what promises to be an exhilarating series of races. This year, no fewer than four finals will vie for the prestigious FM title. Competitors include the youth teams in the five-oared category, representing both girls and boys, the men’s six-oared teams, and the eight-oared category.
Anticipation is palpable in other races as well. Two boats have consistently outperformed their rivals, dominating their respective events. Notably, the teams for girls and women in the five-oared category have showcased remarkable skill. The crew from Havnar Róðrarfelag has emerged as the front-runners in the 17-18 age division, while Fípan Fagra from Klaksvíkar Róðrarfelag leads the women’s race. It’s crucial to note that the FM title now rests firmly in the hands of both teams, with only unforeseen circumstances on Ólavsøku able to derail their championship aspirations.
The same can be said for the boys’ teams competing for Fípan Fagra in the 17-18 age bracket. Their consistency has made the chase for the FM title feel secure. However, the competition heated up during the Sundalagsstevnu in Hósvík, where Drekin managed to snatch a victory, setting the stage for an exciting showdown on Ólavsøku.
In the women’s six-oared category, the competition intensifies between Víking from Havnar Róðrarfelag and Froðbingur. Víking has bolstered its lineup significantly, making it a formidable challenger for the championship. Although Víking has not previously claimed the FM title, it has a rich history in six-oared racing, with multiple championships across both men’s and women’s divisions.
Next, we turn our gaze to the ten-oared teams. Ormin Langi’s recent triumph at the last event in Hósvík suggests that we are on track for an exhilarating clash for the title against Havnarbátin on Ólavsøku.
The State of the FM Competitions
Boys’ Youth Rowing
- Royndin Fríða: 35 points
- Fípan Fagra: 29 points
- Flógvin: 22 points
- Firvaldur: 22 points
Girls’ Youth Rowing
- Tekla: 34 points
- Gulin: 29 points
- Broddur: 27 points
- Seafood Wine: 23 points
Men’s Six-Oared Teams
- Tvørabáturin: 13 points
- Páll Fangi: 11 points
- Rádni: 11 points
- Hósvíkingur: 9 points
Boys’ Five-Oared (17-18 years)
- Fípan Fagra: 41 points
- Drekin: 37 points
- Collur: 30 points
Girls’ Five-Oared (17-18 years)
- Fípan Fagra: 42 points
- Collur: 36 points
- Tekla: 30 points
Mixed Five-Oared
- Fípan Fagra: 42 points
- Tent: 36 points
- Next: 30 points
Women’s Six-Oared
- Víkingur: 41 points
- Froðbingur: 37 points
- Rádni: 28 points
- Sølmundur: 26 points
This overview encapsulates the current FM standings.
FM Finals
The final races have been confirmed, positioning two youth teams for a showdown: the green Báran from Hvalvík/Streymnes and the red Teistin from Argjum. The competition is fierce, with only a narrow margin separating the two. Neither team has previously claimed the FM title in youth rowing, as the category was divided into two age groups just a few years ago.
Báran celebrated a historical win in 1978, marking the first year of its participation. While Sundalagsdreingir secured victory on Ólavsøku, they lagged behind Sílið in the FM standings.
Teistin has yet to capture an FM title, but its fellow five-oared team from Argja Róðrarfelag, Blikur, boasts several championships in the boys’ division.
Boys’ Five-Oared (14-16 years)
- Báran: 39 points
- Teistin: 38 points
- Firvaldur: 31 points
Firvaldur Versus Drekin
In the age category of girls aged 14-16, the competition remains close. This represents the fifth year of racing for the FM title at this level. Initially, there was only one girls’ race; however, in 2005, the format expanded to include separate categories for senior women and younger participants (17-18 years old). Additionally, female competitors have participated in six-oared races since 1983.
This year’s showdown among the younger girls pits Firvaldur of Tvøroyri against Drekin from Havnar Róðrarfelag, both of which are just a heartbeat apart. While Firvaldur has held a slight advantage recently, Drekin is known to perform exceptionally well at home.
Neither of the teams has yet secured an FM title, but they are among the most competitive in this age group. Firvaldur, however, has multiple victories in the women’s five-oared events.
Girls’ Five-Oared (14-16 years)
- Firvaldur: 38 points
- Drekin: 37 points
- Pill: 24 points
- Gulin: 24 points
- Eagle: 23 points
A Southern Clash
In the men’s six-oared category, the competition is set between two teams from Suðuroy: Tvørámenn and Vágbingar. Both will compete directly for the FM title on Ólavsøku, with Tvørámenn expected to row against Froðbingur and Vágbingar against Smyril. The victor will take home the coveted championship title.
Smyril has previously secured four FM titles in six-oared rowing, while Froðbingur was the first to claim an FM title among the two boats.
However, a potential new challenger may emerge. Strálan from Strondum has been making waves at various events, even if they are still looking to secure a championship this summer.
Men’s Six-Oared
- Froðbingur: 37 points
- Smyril: 36 points
- Strálan: 30 points
The Battle for the 8-Oared Title
The fourth FM final is slated for the eight-oared teams, featuring last year’s champions, Ørv from Havnar Róðrarfelag, against Gullbrand from Fuglafjørður.
Ørv has shown strong performances at previous events, but the final outcome will be determined on Ólavsøku evening.
Ørv currently holds several FM titles, with only Argjabáturin boasting more victories in the eight-oared category. Conversely, this will be Gullbrand’s first shot at an FM title.
Eight-Oared
- Ørv: 39 points
- Gullbrand: 38 points
- Heiðabáturin: 30 points
The Legacy of the Ten-Oared Teams
Interest in the ten-oared category remains robust, albeit with just three competitors this year, all hailing from Havn. While Klaksvíkingur participates, they face an uphill battle against the home teams.
Ormurin Langi is representing the blue side of Havn. Established in 1985, Róðrarfelagið Knørrur has anchored itself under the Lágu kei at Skálatrøð, with a history enriched by spirited supporters. Within this community, figures like Jeggi (Jógvan Elias Jakobsen) and Sjúður Gullbein have played pivotal roles throughout the years.
Initially, the club focused on the eight-oared Knørr and the six-oared Jarnbard. The ten-oared Ormurin Langi joined the ranks in 2008, lacking the long history of Havnar Róðrarfelag, which was founded almost a century ago. Havnarbáturin first appeared at Ólavsøku in 1926, previously serving as the flagship of Havn for many years.
In the ’80s, Floksbáturin emerged as the second ten-oared entity in Havn, nearly claiming victory at Ólavsøku in 1984. Earlier, the ten-oared Studenturin won the race in 1956, and over the years, numerous other ten-oared boats have competed from Havn.
Ormurin Langi is poised to secure its fourth FM title; however, it will need to outperform Havnarbátin to achieve this goal on Ólavsøku. For Havnarbáturin to reclaim its FM title from last year, it will require a strong performance from Klaksvíkingur. The stakes are high: Havnarbáturin needs to win, Klaksvíkingur must finish second, and Ormurin Langi should take third, but none will wish for such a predictable outcome.
Regardless of how the FM races unfold, the upcoming Ólavsøku regatta will undoubtedly showcase fierce competition for the ten-oared championship, solidifying its importance in the community!
Ten-Oared
- Ormurin Langi: 40 points
- Havnarbáturin: 38 points
- Klaksvíkingur: 30 points
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