A Day to Remember: Hastings RC Competes at Southsea Regatta 2025
- Hastings Rowing Club
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
🌊 The Season So Far
This year’s coastal rowing season has tested our patience and resilience. By late June, we should have competed in at least seven regattas—but five were postponed due to high winds. It’s been a frustrating start, especially for our newer crews eager to prove themselves.
But yesterday—Saturday 28 June 2025—the tide turned. Quite literally. Despite strong winds and a choppy sea, the iconic Southsea Regatta went ahead, and Hastings Rowing Club was there in full force.
With over 20 rowing clubs in attendance, Southsea is the crown jewel of the CARA calendar. For many of our members, this was their first time racing on its waters—and what a debut it was.
⏰ Early Start, High Stakes
The day began long before the first race. Our club captain Vicky Kidd arrived early for the captains’ meeting—where an important matter was on the table. Would our Men’s Novice Four result from Shoreham count as a status win?
We’re thrilled to say: yes! That victory helped promote our men’s crew to Junior status. It was a proud moment, and the perfect way to kick off the day.
🚣♀️ The Races – Crew by Crew
🥇 Junior Women’s Single Scull – Cammy Korkis
Cammy has shown focus and strength all season, and at Southsea she delivered—finishing 1st in her category. A brilliant win for Cammy and for the future of women’s sculling at Hastings.
🥈 Masters 50+ Coxed Four – Tim Ash, Alan Bates, Dave Pattle, Paul Knight | Cox: Hannah Dixon
This experienced crew pulled off a near‑flawless race in tough water. After a strong start, they battled shoulder‑to‑shoulder for the win, finishing in a close 2nd place.
🥉 Masters 40+ Coxed Four – same crew, same fight
They returned to the water later in the day for the Masters 40+, proving their endurance and skill. With minimal recovery time, they held off strong competition and earned 3rd place.
🛶 Junior Pair – John Webb & Roland Rebek
In the heat, they placed 3rd, qualifying for the final. Against a strong field, they finished 4th overall, showing impressive teamwork and grit.
⚡️ Novice Men’s Single – Roland Rebek
Roland also raced in the singles, finishing 2nd in his heat and 4th in the final. A strong and consistent performance across both events.
💪 Novice Women’s Coxed Four – Cammy Korkis, Morgan Rooney, Kim Webb, Petra Wilson | Cox: Richard Vidler
This newly formed crew rowed with heart and cohesion, finishing 5th in their heat. For some, this was their first competitive race—a brilliant step forward.
🧭 Junior Men’s Coxed Four – Thomas Heskett, John Webb, Jack Relf, Roland Rebek | Cox: Richard Vidler
A mix of experience and enthusiasm, this crew powered through a tough heat to place 4th, then 6th in the final. Plenty of lessons, and lots to build on.
🏅 Special Recognition – Cox of the Day!
We’re proud to share that Hannah Dixon was awarded CARA’s Cox of the Day! Her communication, precision, and calm energy guided our Masters crews with confidence.
💬 Reflections & Thanks
“If you can only race one regatta this season, make it Southsea,” said our captain Vicky Kidd—and now we know why. From the fierce competition to the incredible atmosphere, the regatta was perfectly run. Huge thanks to Southsea Rowing Club for hosting us and to all the clubs who made the journey.
None of this would have happened without:
Vicky Kidd – for entering our crews, leading the charge, and sorting the captain’s meeting.
Ray Bates, Richard Vidler, Ray Bates & Alan Bates – for towing our boats all the way to Southsea.
Alan Bates Alan Bates again – for capturing some stunning race-day photos.
Richard Vidler Richard Vidler – who stepped in last minute to cox two key crews and cheered tirelessly from the beach.
📸 What’s Next?
Check our gallery below for highlights from Southsea. If you’ve got photos from the day, send them to us—we’d love to feature them!
The season is (finally!) in motion, and the Hastings Rowing Club spirit is stronger than ever. See you at the next regatta.
Go HRC!
Comentários