Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club travelled to Walton-on-Thames for the last head race of 2021, with some of their rowers experiencing a large head race for the first time.
Kayleigh Batchelor finished her year with the runners up spot in the Women’s J16 single event and there were podium finishes as well for Yas Wright in her single and Batchelor & Wright in the Women’s double.
Rachael Debenham’s first race in over a year saw her finish just outside the podium places in 4th, an excellent achievement after such a long layoff.
Ben Smith’s first major head race saw him gain valuable experience for the future beating several crews in the process.
A mixed double of Louis Sheasby and Esme Walters, a crew put together on the day, had a solid row in their first event at this level, with Walters steering an excellent course to secure a top 10 finish. Sheasby stepped up a couple of age groups to row with Smith in the J16 doubles event again to gain some valuable race experience and put a marker down for future races.
The club will take to the water for the final time this year with several crews competing at the final IW Rowing Forum time trial this weekend on the River Medina.
