Making waves at Stratford Boat Club's junior regatta

DESPITE having to adhere to Covid-19 restrictions, Stratford BC’s junior regatta was hailed a roaring success.

With the ideal weather for racing on Saturday, crews local and further afield from Evesham, Stourport, Hereford, Beckett School RC (Nottingham), Worcester, AB Severn RC (Tewkesbury), Pengwern BC (Shrewsbury), Lagan Scullers’ Club (Belfast), Marlow, City of Oxford and Agecroft RC (Salford) attended the event, which also attracted major entries from Stratford BC.

This year’s regatta had three divisions and two adaptive divisions, meaning there was a total of 116 separate races on the day, with all the action getting under way at 8.30am and finishing at 4.30pm.

Regatta secretary Dr Graham Collier said: “This year we were very heartened by the huge turnout from local and distant clubs, and the interest from the public who also had the bonus of having the food festival close by.

“A massive thanks to all our hard working boat club members, visiting crews, umpires and officials, and especially the public for supporting the event. We were especially honoured to have Mayor of Stratford Cllr Kevin Taylor attend.”

Junior co-ordinator and course marshal Steve Wellstead said: “It was a long day’s racing. We decided to stay with the shortened 650m course to ensure the safety of all the competitors and river users.

"We were especially grateful for the help and tolerance of those operators who work and make their living on the river.”

Head adaptive coach Mark Dewdney added: “It was very heartening to see at least 15 adaptive races in two divisions and the fact that an adaptive sculler came over from Belfast to compete in our regatta speaks volumes.

“To see the effort that the adaptive athletes, helpers and supporters put into racing was very humbling and gratifying.”