Over 30 Shanklin Rowing Club members attended a recent celebration event, marking the club’s first year as a GB Sculling Academy, with the standout highlight of Bass Andre being crowned European Offshore Champion.
The event was marked by a presentation of Outstanding achievement award to Bass on behalf of the club and the official naming of the 2 new FISA boats.
Club Chairman Gary Burch welcomed all, and Lead Coach Lesley Walters explained the concepts and contributory factors that led the successful application and awarding of GB Coastal Sculling Academy Status:
A decade of success at a regional and national level, which included significant success on the river but also international vests for Emily Faithfull selected for Home International Regatta in 2023, Daisy Faithfull for boat handling and Frances Katirewa for Wales.
The impact of the work of Ian Thomas, galvanizing strong community links, and ensuring SSRC operates at the heart of the community and the success of the adult programme and further potential growth led by
Gary Burch.
Moving on to the beach sprint season, Lesley then highlighted the club’s
results for this year:
- Studland Team Relays saw Beth Katirewa, Arlo Adds, Bass Andre and Simon Nevitt compete in the Senior Team event coming third, whilst Rose Collier and Layla Katirewa teamed up with another club to compete in the Junior Team event, coming second.
- Martha Eggleton and Annabelle Steward are also regularly attendees at the Studland Academy Training every Sunday
- The British Offshore Championships: Double Gold for Bass Andre, and a Silver for themselves and Alex Robertson and there was a bronze medal at the British Beach Sprint Championships for Frances Katirewa, Ethan Walters, Jamie Gamble, Bass Andre, and Ella Collins in the Mixed Quad with Annabelle Steward and Layla Katirewa also competing at this event
Lesley urged all, especially Juniors to show resilience as in their rowing, there are plenty of ‘ups and downs,’ summarizing the challenges and frustrations of Bass’s journey, from their first Novice win at Woolston in 2016, to the phenomenal season which included the Commonwealth Beach Sprint Representation in Barbados, European Offshore Racing,
and Home International Beach Sprint Regatta.
Ian Thomas, as Club President, concluded the event with the naming of the 2 new boats, which have already had plenty of use, and invited Emily Faithfull and Bass Andre, in their honour, to unveil them!
