Multiple Wins at Season-Opening Head Race

Rowers from Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club  made an impressive start to their 2026 campaign at the BTC Head of the River on Saturday, 21st February, held on the River Itchen in Southampton. It was a wet and windy day, with some challenging river conditions. 

After a winter disrupted by cancellations, it was a welcome return to racing. The 4,500-metre course saw ten SSRC crews competing, with 10 juniors and 7 adult athletes representing the Island club.

SSRC delivered a string of standout results. Simon Nevitt produced a dominant performance to win the Men’s Masters Coastal Scull by 1 minute 40 seconds. At only fifteen years old, Digby Ridgwell showed real composure to take victory in the Men’s Novice River Scull, winning by 20 seconds in a strong field.

The junior squad also impressed, with Rose Collier and Ella Haydon winning the Girls’ J16 River Double. Esme Walters secured second place in the Ladies’ Novice River Scull, while Gary Burch added another podium finish with third in the Men’s Masters Coastal Scull.

The Men’s Junior Four of Fin Diffey, Paul Gamble, Isaac King, and Tobin Green with Stella Gamble, battled hard to claim third place in a competitive race.

It was also a day of firsts. Stella Gamble and Connie Batley-Smith both coxed a head race for the first time, steering confidently over the long course. The strength of the Masters squad was clear too, with multiple podium finishes rounding off a successful day.

With a strong start now behind them, SSRC will look to build momentum as the 2026 season gathers pace.