Weymouth RC hosts first Dorset Schools Gig Regatta
Friday 11th July saw the first Jurassic Coast Dorset Schools Gig Regatta, held at Weymouth Rowing Club. Nine teams competed in a series of gig races to round off a six-week Sportivate project, which has been run by five gig clubs based on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.
Each of these clubs provided six weeks of gig rowing coaching for Year 9 pupils from local schools, funded by Sport England’s Sportivate scheme, via Active Dorset. Three of the clubs (Bridport, Portland and Weymouth) then attended a mini regatta on the afternoon of Friday 11th July. Weymouth Rowing Club hosted the event, which saw the new rowers compete against neighbouring schools followed by a BBQ and a great spread of cakes. The Sportivate funding has allowed the clubs to support new coaches through a Level 2 coaching award, using the six sessions to complete a portfolio.
Rhiannon Bailey, British Rowing Participation Manager for the West, was on the finish boat: “The clubs have been great to work with. This all started with a conversation with Andrew Goss of Weymouth Rowing Club back in the Autumn, since then the clubs have been so proactive and it’s brilliant to see such a positive attitude towards junior rowing. I’ve heard a lot of the rowers saying they are planning to continue, so that’s great news for rowing participation!”
In all, 54 young rowers took part in the regatta – with a large majority of them aiming to continue with their local clubs this summer. Our thanks go to all of the clubs involved, including Weymouth for hosting and the Sea Cadet centre for helping with safety cover.
