After a long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ryde Rowing Club, sponsored by Wightlink IW Ferries, finally returned to mainland Competition on Saturday (3rd July 2021) as the Hants and Dorset Amateur Rowing Association 2021 season finally got underway again after more than a year’s absence.
All Covid-19 precautions were undertaken by the event and the clubs and individuals in attendance. Due to limited space being available and restrictions on the number of athletes, coaches and officials attending, there was a restricted programme with no small boat events. Spectators were discouraged.
A great success
However in spite of these restrictions the Regatta was a great success with everyone really pleased to be back after such a long break.
The Ryde Club started this new season the way they finished the last in 2019, with a win for the Men’s Senior Coxed Four of Alex Miller, Matt Allsopp, and Mike Ewing – with Jo Gapper coxing and a young Ryde Coastal Junior oarsman – Joel Smith – who rowed exceptionally – deputising for the fourth crew member who fell ill on the day.
Competition debuts
Ryde also had three other fours crews competing – most making their Ryde debuts in Hants and Dorset ARA Competition and the majority of them sixteen or under.
The Club had two Novice Fours competing – the A Crew of Harry Jones, Frankie Leftley, David Baer and Paddy Kearney with Cayman Adams coxing finishing fourth in their heat and the B Crew of Elliott O’Sullivan, Charlie Walford, Tom Kerver and Dan Sanderson with Graham Reeve coxing finishing fifth in their heat.
Third place for J16
Elliott O’Sullivan and Dan Sanderson then raced again with Bradley Whiting and Yogi Ashworth, with Ben Sanderson Coxing – in a Boy’s J16 Coxed Four finishing in third place in their Final.
News shared by Steve on behalf of Ryde Rowing Club. Ed
