Shanklin-Sandown Rowing Club have struck gold at their first-ever appearance at the British Masters Championships, held at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham last weekend.
Club members Simon Nevitt and Gary Burch competed against some of the most experienced rowers in the country, racing in both single and double scull events.
Saturday’s races took place in challenging, coastal-style conditions that even led to racing being suspended temporarily. Despite this, both rowers gained confidence as the day went on, finishing fifth in both the singles and the double scull.
Conditions improved on Sunday, and the Shanklin-Sandown rowers took full advantage. Simon Nevitt delivered a standout performance in the 1x race, taking the lead early and extending it to claim a well-deserved gold medal – a remarkable achievement in only his second season of sculling.
Gary Burch, competing in the Over 50 category, led the first 250m and held a strong pace into the halfway point. Though he was eventually overtaken, he secured a competitive second place and was pleased with the result.
Club Captain Garry Walters has said:
“I’m really pleased to see Shanklin-Sandown Rowing Club competing at their first British Masters Championships, and I congratulate both Simon and Gary on their fine performances. They’ve truly inspired the next generation.”
