Isle of Wight rower Bass Andre has been selected to represent England at the Home International Championships in Loughrous Point, Ireland this weekend following an outstanding season on the national beach sprints and offshore racing circuit.
The achievement marks a major milestone in Andre’s rowing journey, which began 10 years ago at Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club.
After studying at Bangor University and later in Tulsa, USA, Andre has returned to the UK and worked through a demanding selection process in one of rowing’s fastest-growing disciplines.
Beach sprint and offshore racing have surged in popularity since being added to the programme for the 2028 Olympic Games, making selection increasingly competitive at national level.
Club captain Garry Walters has said:
“The selection marks 10 years since Bass first started at Shanklin-Sandown Rowing Club and follows an amazing season.
“They work so hard and demonstrate absolute dedication to the sport, this representation is long overdue.”
Andre, who returned to the Isle of Wight to train at their home club last week, is still awaiting news from GB trials and hopes to be part of the squad heading to the Commonwealth Beach Sprints Championships in Barbados in November.
Further ambitions include a place on the GB European Offshore Team for the championships in Turkey later this year.
