Novice Men win at Lymington Regatta!

An impressive 4 victories sealed Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club’s best Hants and Dorset regatta performance of the season so far at Milford-on-Sea.

The Novice Men — Huseyin Yolcu, Sam Meadowcroft, Isaac King, Fin Diffey and cox Esme Walters — have had some close races this year and finally made it their day at Milford. From the outside lane, they made a powerful start, gained an early edge and with another solid turn held off a determined Newport crew to secure gold. This hard-earned win also sees the crew promoted to Junior status.

In the J14 Quad event, Olivia Mumberson, Alex Collier, Josh Batchelor, Digby Ridgwell and cox Paul Gamble were pushed all the way by a strong BTC crew but held their speed and form to cross the line first in a thrilling race.

Esme Walters enjoyed a standout day, storming to victory in the Novice Single Sculls by over 100 metres before teaming up with Anna Scott in the Junior Ladies Pair. In a close-fought contest, a strong course and excellent turn paid off, giving them their 2nd win of the season.

The Girls J16 Quad of Annabelle Steward, Lottie Pettitt, Evie Selway, Rose Collier and cox Arlo Adds secured 2nd place, while the Boys Quad of James Travers, Sam Meadowcroft, Isaac King and Fin Diffey pushed winners Poole right to the line in a tight finish.

The Mixed Quad of Martha Eggleton and Poppy Lawrence — joined by 2 Lymington RC rowers — impressed with a 3rd place despite never having raced together before. Theodora Travers and Evie Crew also enjoyed their doubles debut, finishing 3rd in a competitive field.

There were plenty of encouraging performances just outside the podium places too, with the Novice Ladies, Masters Ladies, Boys J16 Double and Arlo Adds in the Novice Sculls all finishing fourth, while the Junior Ladies Four, Girls J16 Double and Girls J16 B Quad placed fifth.