STRATFORD-upon-Avon Boat Club hosted a successful Fun Regatta as the annual event returned to the River Avon.
The regatta attracted competitors from local companies, villages and groups of friends as 23 crews with just three hours of training produced some quality rowing.
Skilled members of Stratford Boat Club’s junior squad acted as able coxes for the crews as crowds and friends watched on in support from the club’s grounds, the Bancroft Gardens and the Rec.
Fun Regatta organiser, Adam Franklin, said: “We were heartened by the huge numbers who came to watch, cheer the competitors on and enjoy the spectacle even though the weather wasn’t ideal. It may not have been Henley Royal Regatta but we like to think that it was more fun to watch.
“Through the hard work and all the efforts of club members, we have been able to raise funds for replacing equipment, repairs and maintenance. As always, we are especially grateful for the tolerance of those who make their living on the river and to our sponsor Crowne Plaza Stratford.”
Stratford Boat Club chairman, Dawson Curnock, added: “The wait was worth it! A fun day was had by all and Stratford Boat Club was happy to contribute to the vitality and atmosphere of the town and give visitors and residents a cause for celebration! We were so grateful that Stratford upon Avon’s Deputy Mayor Cllr Dani Hunter and her daughter visited us and presented prizes to the winners: Stratford upon Avon Town Council’s support is essential for the encouragement for sport and recreation in the Warwickshire area and community.”
In addition to the racing, fancy dress was also a major part of the day as crews wore outfits which included multi coloured outfits, superwomen, owls and pussy cats and black and white gangsters.
Elsewhere, the club’s masters squad competed in two days of racing at the Henley Masters Regatta.
And Stratford claimed another victory as Suzie Radley and Amanda Bowden won gold medals as part of a composite VIII crew in glorious conditions.
The crew raced off the line at 40 strokes per minute and dominated the Oxford University Alumni crew with beautiful rhythm and powerful, long strokes.
And the crew pulled ahead with the rate coming down to 33 strokes per minute to eventually win by three lengths.
Stratford’s adaptive athlete, Curtis Dickens, also celebrated success after earning a place in the England squad for the Home International Regatta.
All competitors at the England trials in Nottingham had to post a time over a 1,500 course with the best in each category selected to represent England.
Dickens competes in the PR2 pararowing category.
Stratford’s head adaptive coach, Mark Dewdney, said: “We were fairly confident before the day that Curtis would set the required time but he still had to do it and he did.
“A great day for Curtis and the team.”
The Home International Regatta takes place on the lake at Strathclyde in Scotland on July 27.
And Dickens joins a large number of Stratford crews heading to the British National Championships this weekend which includes fellow adaptive athletes Andy Morris and Isaac Clarkson.
At Llandaff in Cardiff, para-rower Morris beat two young Llandaff rowers in a close final, winning by a length.
Dewdney added: “We have had a very successful last month or so. We have an event now every weekend up to and including the August Bank Holiday. We hope we can have a strong end to the season.”
Stratford’s junior squads were also back on the water after coxing at the Fun Regatta, putting in more training ahead of the British Rowing Junior Championships at the National Watersports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham this coming weekend.
Junior co-ordinator, Steve Wellstead, said: “The junior squad will be heavily represented with crews from J14, J15, J16 and J17/18 categories all there for their chance for glory against some of the best schools and clubs in the country. We wish them luck.
“The logistics of getting multiple boats, trailers, coaches, athletes, coaches and supporters to the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham is immense and I’d like to thank all who have given their support, time and effort to make this complex exercise possible.”
