Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club faced a double regatta weekend, as the Hants and Dorset ARA moved onto the Isle of Wight regatta weekend with Ryde kicking off the weekend with their regatta at Appley Beach.
The Advanced Automotive sonsored club once again had a modest entry, but what it lacked in numbers it certainly made up for in quality, with all crews performing superbly.
In the Ladies Novice Fours, the crew saw a last minute change from the one that had rowed at Coalporters regatta as Lily Lee subbed into the boat for Hannah Pain. With Lily rowing on bowside for only the second time ever and only thirty minutes to practise with regulars Stella Gamble, Emily Andre, Emily Faithfull and cox Anja Bennett, just completing the choppy course would have been a respectable achievement. The crew hadn't read that script however, and they put in an amazing performance to finish well in the main body of the race, and with a push to the line achieved a brilliant fourth place finish!
Following the Ladies was Alex Robertson in the Mens Senior Sculls. Alex was looking to improve on his close second place finish at Coalporters. As he had the weekend before, Alex went into the buoy turn in the joint lead. Much like the race at Coalporters however, Itchens Mark Wardell showed his pedigree and rowed into a two length lead on the return leg, leaving Alex runner up once again.
Next to give the single scull a go was Harry Miselbach. He lined up for his first Mens Junior Sculls race of the season in a very strong field. Harry had a poor start, he however persevered and rowed strongly to finish well, a hard earned third place.
The final race of the day saw Alex Robertson and Matt Miselbach in the Open Double Sculls. The duo had a good start and stretched out an early lead to the field. This lead would prove vital after the buoy turn as the pin on one of their gates snapped, leaving them limping back towards the finish. They held on in their however to take a comfortable victory!
The presentation completed the day, with the new Mayor of Ryde, and Hants and Dorset umpire Henry Adams...resplendent in his jewellery!
Some photos courtesy of Jane Maxwell (BTC) check out more of her awesome snaps on her facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/racingsnapsfromjane/?fref=ts