Rowers from across the Isle of Wight battled tough conditions at the Southsea Regatta on Saturday (28th June) — the largest one-day coastal rowing event in the UK.
Crews from Newport, Ryde and Shanklin Sandown Rowing Clubs joined hundreds of rowers from along the south coast for the event, which brought together clubs from both the Hants & Dorset and Coast ARA associations.
Blustery conditions and choppy water made the racing a real test for all crews, with waves playing a big part in the day’s results.
Newport took 6 crews to Southsea, including a Junior Open Four that won their heat comfortably but saw their race end after a large wave swamped their boat during the final. The Junior Pair also struggled with steering issues, colliding with another crew.
The Open Novice crew rowed strongly, finishing 5th in their heat and narrowly missing the final, while the Women’s Novice and Junior B crews were knocked out in their heats. The J16 mixed quad — racing against older boys — finished 9th out of 12 starters in a commendable performance.
Shanklin Sandown brought home 3 wins. The club’s Ladies Junior Pair of Anna Scott and Esme Walters led from start to finish, crossing the line more than ten lengths ahead despite rough seas.
Earlier in the day, the club’s Mixed J14 Quad and Girls J16 Quad both secured clear victories. The Men’s Novice Four notched up a best-ever 2nd place, while the Masters Ladies, Ladies Novice Four and Boys J16 Quad all gained valuable experience in the tricky conditions.
Wightlink-sponsored Ryde Rowing Club entered one of their biggest squads of the season with eleven crews and scullers. The Open Junior Senior Four of Will Hall, Paddy Kearney, Joe Roberts and Charlie Watts finished 2nd in the final.
Ryde’s Open Novice Four won their heat but had to settle for 4th in the final, while the Women’s Junior Four A Crew also secured a 2nd place finish — earning a crucial Hants & Dorset Championship point.
The Boys J16 Coxed Quad raced well to finish 2nd. In the sculling events, Isaac Gibson finished 3rd in the Novice Sculls final, and the Open Double Sculls pairing came 11th. There was drama for the Open Coastal Junior Coxless Pair, who capsized after the turn and were unable to finish.
Crews from all 3 Isle of Wight clubs now look ahead to Swanage Regatta next weekend.
