The 1st event of the Hants & Dorset racing calendar saw Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club’s Louis Sheasby and Carter Horrix in fine form, winning the J16 double sculls race at the Head of the Stour by over 20 seconds.
The crew were dominant from the start, their victory setting not only the fastest time set by any double sculls crew but also recorded the 6th fastest boat overall: a fantastic achievement and a great start to the season for the crew, who were racing up an age group.
Frances and Beth Katirewa made their debut in the Ladies Junior Coastal Pair with a great row, to secure runner-up position behind the home club Christchurch. A new lineup in the girls’ J14 coastal quad – with Annabelle Steward, Immy Burfitt, Layla Katirewa & Ella Haydon – enjoyed a spirited row and posted a respectable time, finishing ahead of a dozen crews.
The Ladies and Men’s Junior 4s had clean, solid rows but were slightly off the pace. Remaining positive, however, they will certainly look now to bridge the deficit in training in the coming weeks.
Other encouraging performances were given by Esme Walters and Stella Gamble, contesting the Open Women’s 2x category after just one outing together, and finishing a creditable 5th. Carter and Louis also finished 5th and 9th respectively in the Novice River 1x race, gaining invaluable experience in the process.
The club will now travel to Southampton on Saturday for the BTC Spring Head.
