By Isle of Wight Observer
Sunday morning brought still, bright conditions on the River Medina for the first winter time trial of 2026, with 39 crews from Newport, Ryde, and Shanklin & Sandown rowing clubs taking to the water.
Division One ran over the shorter 1,750m (just over a mile) course, led by the Newport Open 4+ of Freddie Hollis, Connor Garner, Boris Hare, and Jude Williams, coxed by Mariana Hare. They set the quickest time of the division in 6m 47s, but were edged out once gold medal time was applied. Ryde sculler, Charlie Watts, topped the table on 76.62 per cent, followed by Shanklin & Sandown’s Isaac King, on 75.67 per cent, with Newport’s placing of third, on 75.22 per cent.
Division Two switched to the longer 3,450m (2.14‑mile) course, where the Newport Open 4+ of Hare, Garner, Nick McChesney and Williams, again coxed by Hare, posted the fastest time of 13m 1s. Ryde’s 4 of Joe Roberts, Lars Grothius, Watts and Paddy Kearney, coxed by Mai Reid, were close behind in 13m 10s.
On adjusted times, however, both crews were overtaken by Shanklin & Sandown sculler, Connie Batley‑Smith, who produced the standout performance of the day with 78.58 per cent GMT. Newport’s 4 recorded 77.3 per cent, with Ryde on 76.13 per cent.
The division also featured an outing for the Ryde women’s 8, making their competitive debut and finishing in 14m 6s as they continue preparations for their planned entry in the Women’s Head of the River race, on the Thames, in March.