The first day of action began on time but only five races were possible before conditions were deemed too windy.

Officials from world governing body FISA had hoped a resumption would be possible in the afternoon but the forecasted drop in the wind did not materialise and instead racing was called off for the day just after 2pm.

The eight categories that were unable to compete have been accommodated in tomorrow's bumper programme, which will see the majority of the rowers take to the water, but it is all dependent on a drop in the wind.

Organisers considering moving all the semi-finals and the finals of the Paralympic classes forward to Wednesday (November 30) because of the threat of storms that are due to hit the Waikato area on Thursday and Friday (November 4 and 5).

Despite the paucity of action, there was enough time for a first British winner, with Hester Goodsell and Sophie Hosking advancing to the semi-finals in the lightweight women's double sculls after leading from start to finish.

The pair will be hopeful of at least matching their bronze medal from last year's event after claiming a gold and two silvers during the World Cup season.

Hosking said: "We went out training in the same conditions yesterday as we felt it was a good thing to do.

"If you're going to race in those conditions, it's good to get used to it."

Alos among the few to see action on day one were Britain's Olympic champions Zac Purchase and Mark Hunter, and they were the unluckiest of all.

The first heat of the lightweight men's double sculls had just passed the 500 metre mark, with the British pair in the lead, when the decision was made to call a halt to proceedings.


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