Stratford Boat Club gears up for its popular Boxing Day regatta
MORE than 40 athletes are expected to brave the cold once again at this year’s Stratford Boat Club Boxing Day Scratch Regatta.
The contest has become a firm fixture in the boat club’s and town’s calendar, allowing members the chance to blow away the overindulgence of Christmas, have fun and set their sights on serious training for the 2023 season.
Competing in fours, the rowers will tackle a short sprint course from the ferry to the club grounds on the town stretch of the River Avon.
The action, weather permitting, gets under way at 10am and to ensure fair play and safety, starters, umpires, spotters and the safety launch will all be in place.
Crowds can watch and cheer from the Recreation Ground, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre terrace, Bancroft Gardens and Tramway Bridge.
Regatta organiser Dave Edwards said: “We pick club crews from names entered into a draw based on gender, age and ability so that all the crews are more or less equal, ranging from members of the junior squad right through to masters.”
The boat club finished the 2022 season with a certain amount of frustration with the cold and icy weather forcing most athletes off the river and inside for land training.
Junior co-ordinator Steve Wellstead said: “The training schedule will be back on target the first weekend after the New Year. 2023 is going to be a great season for Stratford in all categories and we’re heading for continued success in local and national regattas and heads.”
