Competing in the fastest growing Olympic sport of Beach Sprints, Bass Andre of Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club faced current world champions and Olympic gold medallists in the English Beach Sprints championship at Studland Bay last weekend (17th and 18th May).
Bass progressed well through the heats in style, showing improved finesse on the entries and exits of the race in particular. In the semi-finals, Bass was beaten by 4-time Olympian Helen Glover and current GB international Natasha Phillips but then qualified for the B final as the fastest loser. A great achievement considering their relative inexperience.
In the B final, Bass had a great start and led to the buoy but struggled with the turn and the return leg, finishing 4th.
Former Shanklin rower Frances Katirewa, now competing for Welsh club Mumbles RC, rowed well to get 3rd place in the D final.
