We were blessed with glorious weather and calm seas for our return to competitive racing on Sunday 25th July at Bexhill regatta. Four crews competed for the first time in a number of years.
In the Ladies novice 4s Gemma Clarke at stroke was backed up by Helen Slater at 3, Kathryn Eccelshall at 2, Marie Paine in the bow and coxed by club president Paul Knight. Despite some mechanical issues with a broken foot stretcher they had a great first row finishing ahead of local rivals Bexhill in a close finish.
Also racing for the first time in the men’s novice 4s were James Whittaker at stroke with Roger Paisley at 3, Matt Bumpus at 2 and Danny Bassett in the bow. Expertly coxed by past Captain Bob Salmon they were well in the mix at the turns and battled out for second place in the last 200 metres finally finishing a close third, a great result in their first race as a 4.
In the Veterans over 40s race Allan Carter made a long awaited return to coastal rowing stroking an experienced crew of Bob Salmon bow Roger Paisley at 2 and Club chairman Simon Veness at 3. They finished a creditable 5th earning the club 2 Championship points.
In the Masters 50 race Paul Heskett stroke, Alan Bates 3, Tim Ash 2 and Paul Knight Bow had a great tussle with an Eastbourne/Herne Bay composite crew but lost out finishing second.
A fantastic day in the sun and a welcome return to racing after nearly two years.
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