Rowers from Ryde and Newport made their mark at the Southampton Coalporters 150th Anniversary Regatta on Saturday (19th July), with both Isle of Wight clubs securing race wins, podium finishes and championship points in a competitive field on the River Itchen.
Ryde Rowing Club’s standout result came from the Women’s Coastal Junior Four of Emily Kellerman, Abi Locke, Alexis Owen and Eva Gordon, coxed by Ruby Read. They dominated both their semi-final and final to secure a convincing win and add another 2 points to their Hants & Dorset ARA Championship tally, bringing them to 5.
Newport Rowing Club also celebrated a big victory, with their Junior Four of Boris Hare, Connor Garner, Nathaniel Hamilton and Eric Williams, coxed by Mariana Hare, defeating a strong BTC Southampton crew in their semi-final. They then overcame the championship leaders Southampton in the final by two lengths, putting them just one point behind in the overall standings.
In the Junior Senior Fours, Ryde’s Will Hall, Paddy Kearney, Charlie Watts and Issac Gibson, coxed by Mai Read, finished a close 2nd in their final after a strong row.
Ryde’s younger Junior Four of Lars Groothuis, Ben Robotham, Cameron D’Arcy and Lukas Georgiou, coxed by Harry Watts, won their heat following an impressive turn and later placed 3rd in their final. Watts was recognised with the Cox of the Day award for his efforts throughout the regatta.
Newport’s Open Novice Four of Freddie Hollis, Max Gasper, Jude Williams and Riv Szawiel, coxed by Fiona Brookes, also reached their final. After a neck-and-neck race with Poole, they lost ground on the turn and finished 2nd – their third consecutive runner-up result.
In the Women’s Novice Fours, both clubs entered strong crews. Newport’s boat of Flora Lockey, Cara White, Grace Garner and Julia Coulson, again coxed by Brookes, recovered from catching a crab at the start to close a 4-length gap to just 1, but couldn’t quite overhaul the lead. Ryde’s novice women, including Niamh Murphy, Demi Cranham Read, Carla Jenkins and Georgia Cask (Poole), coxed by Ruby Read, also placed 2nd in their heat but narrowly missed the final.
The Open Coastal Junior Pair from Ryde – Max Locke and Joe Bird – finished 2nd in their heat, just missing out on a final place. Locke also raced in a Composite Open Novice Four with Poole rowers, finishing 2nd in their heat.
In the singles, Ryde’s Paddy Kearney and Stella Baisley stepped up to the Open Senior Sculls, each claiming 3rd place in their finals.
Newport’s Masters 50 crew of Paul Gamble (Shanklin), Chris Clarke, Julie Clarke and Harry Hare, coxed by Mariana Hare, took on BTC and Poole in their final. They pulled clear of Poole early but had to settle for 2nd behind BTC.
