NEWPORT REGATTA, 21st MAY, 2005

Ryde Rowing Club, sponsored by Wightlink, competed at the  first Hants & Dorset Championship Regatta of the season on Saturday, held of the Shrape, at Cowes and hosted by Newport Rowing Club.

The Men's Senior Four of Mike Jenner, Matt Allsopp, Nick Pike and Ian Hayden with Tom Clark coxing contested a closely fought Final in which they were beaten into second place by a strong Lymington crew - but this was seen as an encouraging result as the emphasis of their pre-season training had all been in small boats.

Another encouraging performance came from the young Novice Men's crew, consisting of Ian Dyer, James Eklund, Tom Clark, Jamie Lawson and cox Clare Salter who, with an average age just fifteen, were competing in their first Hants & Dorset Regatta - and just missed out on a place in the final.

Men's Senior Sculler and defending Hants & Dorset Champion Nike Pike was involved in a controversial race, finishing 3rd behind an old Ryde Oarsman - Brian Ingle, who since his move to the mainland races for Coalporters, and Junior International James Foad of Itchen. Ryde sculler Mike Jenner also reached this final finishing 6th - with Matt Allsopp missing out in the heat. Ben Churchill and Ben Ade competed in the Men's Novice Sculls but failed to make the final.

Ryde also provided part of the Safety Cover for the Regatta - their RIB manned by Ryde's RYA2 qualified Coaches being kept busy in the squally conditions and handling a number of capsizes and other incidents.

The Club now have a two week gap before the Isle of Wight Regatta weekend - when Shanklin stage their Regatta on Saturday, 4th June with Ryde's on Sunday 5th.