By Isle of Wight Observer
Shanklin & Sandown Rowing Club enjoyed success at the BTC Head on the River Itchen, with excellent results in the Men’s Novice Four, Women’s Masters Four, Women’s Quad, Men’s Open Double, and Ladies Junior Pairs.
Also competing were Newport, with the stand out performances coming from Jake Garner and Nate Hamilton in the new Junior Pair combo, snatching victory over rivals, Southampton, by just 5 seconds.
The Novice Men 4+ of Eric and Jude Williams, Freddie Hollis, Riv Szawiel, coxed by Mariana Hare also won their section, whilst the Women’s Novice 4+ of Becca Beaney (making her racing debut), Julia Coulson, Helen Hopper, Angela Whitehead, and coxed by Fiona Brookes, were second. A mixed crew, rowing in Men’s Masters 50+ 4+ of Julie Clarke, Ed Hopper, Chris Clarke, Harry Hare, and coxed by Mariana Hare, were just 3 seconds off the winner’s time, finishing second.
Ryde saw a crew of Joe Roberts, Paddy Kearney, Issac Gibson and Charlie Watts coxed by Mai Read coming second in their division race. There was a third place for the Junior crew, coxed by Ruby Read, of Yogi Ashworth, Lukas Georgiou, Lars Groothuis and Ben Robotham. The J-16 double scull of Max Locke and Joe Bird, raced outstandingly to win their section and promise much for the season.