THE OCCASIONAL monsoon downpour did nothing to dampen spirits at the Rybrook Mini Stratford Boat Club Regatta on Saturday as 174 entries from 15 clubs took to the water.
The event drew competitors from clubs such as Bewdley Rowing Club, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Rowing Club, Bridgnorth Rowing Club, Broxbourne Rowing Club, Cardiff & Vale Schools Rowing Association, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Evesham Rowing Club, King Edward VI Grammar School, Nottingham & Union Rowing Club, Pengwern Boat Club, Royal Grammar School Worcester, Ross Rowing Club, Stowe Sculling Club and Warwick Boat Club, as well as crews from Stratford Boat Club itself.
“We boated early at 7.45am and racing started promptly at 8.30am,” said Kjersti Rogneflaten-Woolley, regatta secretary.
“We are especially grateful to those clubs that came from out of the area, as it was an early start for all!”
Paul Hazelwood, Stratford Boat Club treasurer, commented: “This year we saw more visitors than ever to our club grounds to enjoy the barbecue, tea tent and bar.
“The regatta isn’t just about rowing, it’s part of the Stratford calendar. The barbecue and tea tent were very busy, with extra food having to be ordered in from Barry The Butchers. We sold over 400 beefburgers, 45lb of sausages and 20lb of bacon and everyone ate well!
“Let’s hope we have better weather for the Fun Regatta on Saturday, July 11.”
Club chairman Stephen Haighton added: “It was a great day’s racing, with our colleagues and good neighbours form Warwick Boat Club winning the Victor Ludorum and the magnificent King’s Trophy for coming top of the points tally for races won.”
Club president Paul Stanton continued: “It was a great day and our special thanks go to all the organisations and operators on the river. We have amazing co-operation from all our colleagues and we are so grateful for their help and tolerance and for the support of our sponsors.”
STRATFORD Boat Club’s Imogen North was not competing in her home regatta but did represent the club at Henley Women’s Regatta in the J1x single sculls category.
Coach Mark Holden said: “Imogen came up against strong opposition and was finally beaten only by three lengths in a truly international event with a lot of competitors from overseas including the United States and New Zealand.
“After competing against 25 entries in the time trial on Saturday, Imogen got through to the next stage against 16 scullers.
“It was a great achievement, especially in a year when Imogen was taking and revising hard for exams.”
