Island Regattas 2025

The Hants & Dorset season got off to a stuttering start this weekend, with the double header of Shanklin and Ryde regattas. Unfortunately a moderate easterly wind curtailed both events. Shanklin Regatta was abandoned after three races. Newport Junior Men did compete, but were swamped by waves coming broadside over the boat, and were forced to retire.

Sunday at Ryde promised better. All of the Newport fours were able to complete their races, before the regatta was cut short due to weather conditions. In particular our Novice crews stood up to the testing conditions, for most, it was their first race on the sea. The Women's and Men's Novice crews finished 4th. A particularly good result for the men as three seat came off his seat early in the race, which restricted his stroke considerably. The Men's Masters crew were 4th as well. The Men's Junior crew were in contention, until a rival crew impeded them at the buoy turn. They finished a commendable 3rd. A special mention must go to young coxswain Fiona Brookes, in her first races on the sea, she remained calm and confident, and steered her crews safel but tenaciously throughout the races.