STRATFORD-upon-Avon Boat Club’s masters squad impressed as they competed in the 50th Anniversary Head of the Dart last weekend.
The Men’s Masters-E Coxed Four crew of David Edwards, Richard Aitchison, Graham Cann and Simon Skillings coxed by Jen Cary secured a third place finish in a time of 58 minutes and 5 seconds, beating crews from Dart Totnes Club and Plymouth Amateur Rowing Club
Crew member Cann said: “What a fantastic opportunity in great weather and company to represent Stratford Boat Club and to have rowed the River Dart in under an hour.
“We should thank each other for our commitments and the early starts in all types of weather and circumstances!
“A special thanks to our cox Jen for guiding us down through the Dart and our wonderful wives for their support, patience and assistance not only on the day but providing us with the opportunity to row.”
Tom Doherty and Heather Hayton also competed and entered a composite Mixed 4x-boat with Upton-upon-Severn Club and recorded an excellent time of 51 mins 5 secs to beat Tees Rowing Club, Dart Totnes and Der Club Germania.
And Doherty and Hayton also entered a mixed double race on day two of the event, recording a time of 56 mins 29 secs to finish fourth in their class and 20th overall in less favourable conditions.
The 15 kilometre course on the River Dart from Totnes to Dartmouth offers stunning countryside views with the tidal river remote and challenging for competitors.
More than 100 boats entered the event which ran over two days with fours and eights raced from Totnes to Dartmouth on the first day and singles, doubles and pairs run from Dartmouth to Totnes on the second day.
