By Isle of Wight Observer
Southsea Rowing Regatta saw extensive representation from Island clubs, with Ryde sending 11 crews and Newport six, including the the Junior Open Four A crew of Boris Hare, Nathaniel Hamilton, Jake Garner, and Connor Garner, coxed by Mariana Hare. The team won their heat comfortably, but, after taking a clear lead in the final going up to the buoy turn, they were caught by a large wave on the turn which swamped the boat, and effectively ended their race.
Despite rough rowing conditions, Newport’s Open Novice crew recovered well after shipping a huge amount of water finishing fifth and just missing out on a place in the final. The Women’s Novice and the Junior B crews failed to progress through the heats. The J-16 Mixed Quad (racing in a boys’ event) of Fiona Brookes, Freddie Hollie, Riv Szawiel, and Mariana Hare, coxed by Fin Gorbutt, in his first race, finished ninth from 12 starters, against more experienced crews.
Ryde’s Open Junior Senior Four crew of Will Hall, Paddy Kearney, Joe Roberts and Charlie Watts, with Mai Read coxing, came second to Itchen.
Ryde’s Junior Four crew of Ben Robotham, Lucas Georgiou, Yogi Ashworth and Lars Groothuis, with Harry Watts, finished fifth in their heat and their Open Novice Four of Cameron D’Arcy, Lucas Georgiou, Reuben Rook and Max Locke, with cox, Harry Watts, won their heat and came fourth in a hotly contested final.
Ryde’s Women’s Coastal Junior Fours Crew A of Abi Locke, Fiona Owen, Alexis Owen and Emily Kellerman, with Ruby Read, finished second in their final.
Ryde Fours crew was a Boys J-16 Coxed Quad of Max Locke, Charlie Watts, Cameron D’Arcy and Reuben Rook, with cox, Mai Read, secured second spot. Isaac Gibson was placed third in the final of the Open Novice Sculls.
The Ladies’ Senior Pair of Lisa Murphy and Stella Baisley were fifth in their final, with Stella Baisley awarded fourth place in the Women’s Novice Sculls event.