Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club has enjoyed a strong start to 2026, securing multiple wins and podium finishes across its opening 2 regattas.
Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club has opened the 2026 season with 2 regattas and a string of podium finishes against mainland clubs.
The season began on 21st February at the BTC Head of the River on the River Itchen in Southampton, where 10 crews made the trip. A total of 10 juniors and 7 adult athletes raced over the 4,500-metre course in wet and windy conditions.
Simon Nevitt won the Men’s Masters Coastal Scull by 1 minute 40 seconds, while 15-year-old Digby Ridgwell took victory in the Men’s Novice River Scull by 20 seconds.
Rose Collier and Ella Haydon also won the Girls J16 River Double, with Esme Walters finishing 2nd in the Ladies Novice River Scull and Gary Burch claiming 3rd in the Men’s Masters Coastal Scull.
The Men’s Junior Four of Fin Diffey, Paul Gamble, Isaac King and Tobin Green, coxed by Stella Gamble, also secured 3rd place.
It was also a day of firsts, with Stella Gamble and Connie Batley-Smith both coxing a head race for the first time.
The club returned to action on 8th March at the Head of the Stour in Christchurch, Dorset, where 20 athletes competed in cold conditions and picked up 5 more podium finishes across the junior categories.
Digby Ridgwell won the Boys J16 Single Scull by more than a minute despite racing up a category, while Connie Batley-Smith also raced up a category to win the Girls J16 Single Scull by 10 seconds.
Rose Collier and Ella Haydon continued their strong form by winning the Girls J16 Double Scull, while Josh Bachelor and Alex Collier posted a quick time in the Boys J16 Double Scull despite racing up 2 age groups.
Annabelle Steward came 2nd in the U19 Offshore Scull while taking on a new boat class, with Martha Eggleton also competing in the same category against the older age group.
Both the Men’s and Ladies Junior Fours finished 3rd in their respective events.
Coach Garry Walters said:
“It was a good club day, with good results right across the board.”
