Regatta reports from the Western Region press
City of Exeter Regatta – ‘Joy Tinged with Sadness’
‘The event was tinged with sadness following the death the previous day of Derek Rickard, the West of England ARA President. His upturned single scull had been found on the river Plym and his body was found on the mud flats near Laira Bridge. He was airlifted to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The popular 60 year-old was still an active sculler and was entered to take part in the City of Exeter Regatta.He had done much to promote the sport of rowing in his home city of Plymouth and was enjoying his year as President of the Association. He was looking forward to his club hosting the South Coast Championships in September.’
Read the full Regatta report from This is South Devon
‘Paignton Regatta won’t be Rowed’
‘The Regatta was cancelled on the eve of the event with force five southerly winds forecast for the day. The forecast proved to be correct with the course in Tor Bay totally unrowable and thus justifying the early decision taken by the organisers.
Initial thoughts of rescheduling the regatta have been thwarted by the shortage of available dates and Paignton Regatta – the seventh regatta in the West of England ARA series – will not be rowed.
The cancellation does have a silver lining for Paignton. Championship rivals Exmouth cannot now amass sufficient points to overtake the club’s men’s Senior C coxed four of Elliot Barton, Robbie Tucker, Paul Henshaw, Simon Henshaw and cox, Charlotte Lane.’
Read the full report from This is South Devon
Torbay Regatta – ‘Eight Wins give Dartmouth Top Regatta Spot’
‘A dominating display from Dartmouth earned them eight race wins and the overall crown at the Torbay Royal Regatta.More than 70 entries hit the 1000m course from Livermead Head to Hollicombe Head to compete in the eighth regatta in the West of England ARA series. And while there were gusty spells and a headwind, the water remained rowable despite water disturbance from other craft later in the programme.’
Read the full Regatta report from This is South Devon
