Thanks to Steve for this report from last weekend’s Rowing Regatta that took place in Ryde and Shanklin at the weekend. Ed
Following the cancellation of the first Hants & Dorset ARA Regatta of the season at Bournemouth on the 4th May, Ryde had the honor of hosting the first event when they held their annual Regatta on Saturday (11th May).
There was some nervousness as the final preparations were made for the event as the forecast was not very favorable, but the Club, whose Appley Beach-based course is probably one of the most sheltered coastal courses decided, correctly, to go ahead.
109 crews took part
The Regatta had attracted an entry of 109 crews and scullers from thirteen clubs, including the three Island Clubs – and Bexhill – from outside of the region.
This large entry required a nineteen race program over the 1800m course which runs from Appley Beach out towards Ryde Pier where a racing turn takes place.
Challenging winds
The strong and gusting south westerly winds made the racing challenging, especially during the last few races and there were a number of capsizes which were expertly dealt with by Ryde Inshore Rescue supported by the Ryde Club’s safety boat and in spite of the conditions there was some excellent racing and close finishes – and the full program of events was completed.
The Club’s Captain, Peter Allsopp presented the Trophies and individual prizes to the winning crews and scullers and thanked those who had sponsored, supported and help the Club run another very successful Regatta – especially the main sponsors Carisbrooke Shipping and the Isle of Wight and Ryde Town Councils.
Third places for home club at Ryde
As is so often the case at their home regatta the Ryde Crews did not perform to expectations – their best results being third places for the Men’s Coastal Junior Four and the Ladies Senior Four – however they more than made up for any disappointment at Shanklin Regatta on the Sunday where they had two wins, two second places and two thirds.
Pride of place goes to the Ladies Senior Crew of Hayley Spall, Sophie Brown, Louise Maidment and Maddie Dunn, with cox Abbi Cornish – who comfortably won the Ladies Senior Fours event – the first win for a Ryde crew at this status since 1989!
Impressive performance by Men’s Coastal Junior Four
An equally impressive performance came from the Men’s Coastal Junior Four of Andy Hicks, Stephen Johnson, Ollie Gove and Adam Edwards, with Sam Brading coxing who won their event in spite of the fact that three of the crew – Stephen, Ollie and Adam – were of a lower Novice status. Stephen Johnson and Andy Hicks then went on to race in the Coxless Junior Coastal Pairs event where they finished second.
Another second place was achieved by the fast improving Novice Ladies Four of – Heidi Kissick, Gemma Smith, Michaela Martin and Alicja Stokes with Sam Brading coxing once again
The Men’s Senior Four of Harvey Kirkby, Charlie and Jo Norman and Charlie Gedling, with Max Reeve coxing – in only their second race at this level did well to finish in third place. Another good Senior performance and third place – this time racing for the first time at this level – came from Dale Buckett and Sam Corney – in the Men’s Senior coxless pairs.
Two from this squad also competed in the Novice Sculls – Charlie Norman finishing fifth and Dale Buckett seventh.
The Men’s Novice Four of Callum Lockhart, Will Ford, Isaac Cornish and James Smith with Mick Jenner coxing found the conditions a little more challenging – and failed to make the final – but are showing steady progress.
Photo: Ryde’s winning Coastal Junior Four – Stephen Johnson, Andy Hicks, Ollie Gove, Adam Edwards (Str), Sam Brading (Cox)
