Mr Edmunds said competitors from the Broulee Bats Masters Women’s crew suffered mild hypothermia during the 24km leg from Narooma to Bermagui on Wednesday, January 3.

One woman was pulled out of the event before the halfway mark and two others were treated at the finish line by the event doctor, Mr Edmunds said.

A woman from the Avalon Beach Masters Women’s crew also sustained a knee injury.

Mr Edmunds said the competitor was yet to advise if she would cease competition.

Broulee Bats sweep Justin Zutt said losing several rowers was a challenge for the crew.

“We still had around 12 kilometres in the course to go; it was hard enough going with eight rowers but dropping back to six for the back half of the race made it really tough,” Mr Zutt said.

“We’ll monitor everyone this afternoon and are hopeful we’ll have them back in the race tomorrow.”

Mr Edmunds said competitors faced their toughest day of competition, bracing 26km/h southerly winds and chilly temperatures on the water.

Day 5 of competition will see crews embark on a 36km row from Bermagui to Tathra.