Ryde Rowing Club will host the fourth Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association Championship Regatta of the season on Saturday (2nd June) with Shanklin’s Championship Regatta taking place the following day (Sunday).
This year’s Regatta marks the 41st Anniversary of a Hants and Dorset ARA Championships Regatta being held off Appley Beach, at Ryde. The first was held in June 1977 as a one off change of venue in recognition of the club’s centenary. But such was the success of the event that the 2 Island rowing clubs and the Association agreed that the Island should host 2 Championship Regatta’s each year.
Ryde Regatta has this year received a large entry of 87 crews and scullers and is likely to exceed 100 when late entries are taken into account. The Regatta will require a packed Programme of 20 races to be completed in just over 4-and-a-half hours over an 1820m course from Appley Beach towards Ryde Pier and return after a buoy turn.
Races are taking place for Senior, Junior/Senior, Junior and Novice men in Coxed Fours; Senior and Junior men in Coxless Pairs and Senior, Junior and Novice Men in Single Sculls. For Ladies there is Senior, Junior and Novice Coxed Fours; Junior Ladies Pairs and Ladies Junior and Novice sculling events. There is also a Masters – formally known as Veteran – Fours event for mixed 40+, mixed 50+ and Ladies.
The Regatta is scheduled to start at 12:15 with a race every 10-15 minutes and the prize giving by a representative of the regatta’s main sponsors, TLM Laser, will take place at the clubhouse at around 17:45.
In addition to TLM Laser as main sponsors the regatta has received further support from a number of local businesses including: Harwoods; the Appley Manor Hotel; Hayden Electrical; Ward House Mortgages & Life; DIGS Michael Jenner; Classic Image; Three Buoys Restaurant; Beffective; Neaves Rowing Fittings; Goodleaf Tree Climbing; Walter Grey Solicitors; the Simeon Arms; the Griffin and Horse & Groom Public Houses; Spinlock and First Choice Scaffolding.
Further support comes from Wightlink, who are the club’s main sponsors; Steve Cook, club Vice President; the McClumpha Family and Steve Draper, as well as the clubs’ 150 Club.
The Club is also grateful for the help of Ryde Inshore Rescue who provide safety cover and Invictus Medical services who provide the first aid cover. The club also acknowledges the support and cooperation of Ryde Police and the Isle of Wight Council as well as the Ryde Town Council.
Some very close racing is expected and the general public are most welcome to view this free event – the best vantage point being from the sea wall by the Canoe Lake.
