Isle of Wight rowers hit the water in Southampton regatta

On Saturday, June 15, they tackled a 1,500 metre course on the River Itchen.

The highlight of the day for the Wightlink-sponsored club came from the novice ladies four of Maggie Sanderson, Alexis Owen, Emily Kellerman, Mai Read, stroke, and Ruby Read coxing, who won the final in fine style after finishing first in their heat, securing promotion to coastal junior status.

In the men’s junior senior fours there was a good performance from Ben Sanderson, Will Hall, Dale Buckett, Paddy Kearney, stroke, and Mai Read, coxing, who finished a close second in their final.

The young Ryde coastal junior four of Lars Groothuis, Joe Roberts, Isaac Gibson, and Charlie Watts who stroked, and was coxed by his younger brother Harry, finished first in their heat and semi-final, before being narrowly beaten in the final.

The young men’s novice four of Joe Bird, Finn Diffey, Ben Robotham, Max Locke and Ruby Read Coxing came third in their heat but qualified for the semi-final as one of the fastest losers, where they finished in second place, just failing to make the final.

Ryde men's coastal junior four in action. (Image: Contributed)

The men’s senior pair raced well to finish second in their heat, qualifying for the final as one of the fastest losers, where they finished in third place.

The men’s coastal junior pair of Charlie Watts and Joe Roberts also rowed well in their heat, finishing in second place, but failing to make the final.

In the men’s coastal junior single sculls, scullers Ben Sanderson and Paddy Kearny finished third in their respective heats, missing out on the final.

Finally, Ryde oarswomen Lottie Pettit also competed in a composite crew with Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club, and finished second in her heat.