The coastal regatta season finally kicked off last Saturday with Dover Regatta, after Shoreham Regatta had been cancelled two weeks earlier. A small but keen band of rowers travelled to the Kent coast, mostly consisting of junior members who joined the club last autumn. With the sun out and the wind coming from the North East, it promised to be a good day of many firsts.
First on the water was the Women’s Novice Four of Carina Krug, Izzy Willcocks, Zoe Tyler (Herne Bay), Lauren Baker (Eastbourne) and Nick Norwood (Eastbourne) coxing. Despite being a scratch crew and having not raced before, the girls took to the water with gusto and rowed very well together. They finished in 6th place, an excellent result for the crew in their first race.
Next it was the turn of the Men’s Novice Four of Adam Oakley, Harry Brett-Everest, Jason Bennett (Deal), Jake Brett and Ben Howell (Eastbourne) coxing. Again a scratch crew which had not raced before. The boys were not fazed by this at all and rowed to an amazing 5th place.
Then Paula Hubens competed in the Women’s Novice Single Sculls event. Having only been out in a single scull on the sea on a few occasions, the aim was to complete the course and not capsize. This all went according to plan, but she also finished in 1st place.
Finally Carina and Paula paired up to race in the Women’s Double Sculls. The duo was up against more experienced crews, but finished in a very good 3rd place thanks to navigating a straight course.
