BTC ROWING CLUB

Another hard fought for Senior Championship Point for Itchen Imperial at Woolston Regatta on Saturday. Rowed in near perfect conditions, the race was not without incident however. BTC’s Junior Senior Four, rowing as a late entry trying their hand at senior rowing, dashed from the start to lead comfortably as the crew settled into their stride, only to clash with Southampton as they came away from their turn as Southampton swung in, causing Richard Hume rowing at three in the BTC boat to be thrown out and leaving Southampton Cox, Emma Coffin concussed with a blow to the head. Later reports said that Emma was recovering after attending Southampton A&E nursing a large bump on her head but now enjoying grapes and chocolates as she recovered at home. The race however continued with the BTC A Senior Four, together for the first time this season, leading on the outside of the course from Itchen Imperial and Christchurch as they came away from the buoys, and were still leading 300 metres from the finish but had no answer for Championship Leaders Itchen Imperials finish as they pressed for the line, crossing with 1 ½ lengths to spare, with the rapidly fading BTC A just holding off Christchurch by a canvas for second place.

 

The Ladies Senior was also not without incident, with crews having to return to the starting line for a re-row after the race had been stopped by the Umpires at the turn as Christchurch and Itchen Imperial clashed but without disqualification which was surprising as Southampton, who were not involved were the clear leaders at the time. The restart saw Itchen, Poole, Southampton and Christchurch onto their buoys together. Itchen gaining an advantage coming away ½ length up, half way home it was still Itchen but Christchurch were closing them down, passing both Poole and Southampton they had their bow in front as the came into the final 50 metres and crossed the line to win by a canvas with Southampton 1 ¼ lengths down in third place.

 

A memorable day’s racing then, with Coalporters Ladies B at their best in the Novice Fours L Showell, E Wenzel, J Potter, Hackett (Stk) winning by less than ½ Canvas from Christchurch and Richard Hume recovering from his earlier dunking to win his third Championship Point in the Men’s Senior Sculls, 3 lengths ahead of Chris Schreiber of Lymington. Andria Davies and Anne Beastall notched up another Senior Ladies Pairs Point and Shanklin’s  J Murray, R Kettlety, S Miselbach, A Robertson (stk) S Wrixem (Cox) move to Junior Status at next week Milford on Sea Regatta after winning the Mens Novice Fours

 

Proceedings were completed by The Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Charles Montgomery KBE (retired) now Director of Border Force presenting the prizes. Sir Charles spoke of his association with Woolston’s Vosper Thorneycroft Shipyard having served with the Woolston built HMS Antelope and HMS Amazon. Sir Charles, having spent most of the day afloat with the Clerk of the Course Terry Wilson said he had thoroughly enjoyed the day was hoping to take a greater interest in Coastal Rowing when his duties allowed.