Tag Archives: David Edwards

Stratford Masters Triumph at Bridgnorth!

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s Masters Mixed VIII of Charlotte Jones, Rebecca England, Lucy Scarlett, Helen Helliwell, Fiona Schultz, David Philips, David Edwards and Andrew Lear, coxed by Keris, raced at Bridgnorth Regatta on Saturday.

The event was a ‘round robin’ so each crew had three races at 500m: racing was close, providing a great experience especially for those who had never raced (Andrew Lear) and for those who had never raced in an VIII (Lucy Scarlett). Everyone came away excited about future racing and training!

In the afternoon, the Women’s Senior 4+ of Charlotte Jones, Fiona Schultz, Lucy Scarlett and Rebecca England had an eventful time. Unfortunately, the conditions got the better of them and after a couple of misdirected starts, decided that was enough and scratched the last race. They were grateful for the support from the others who were cheering and supported them through the ordeal!

Commenting, Amanda Bowden, Masters Vice Captain said, ”Lots was learnt: onwards and upwards! A huge thanks to the cox Keris who coped with difficult streams and to David Edwards who towed the trailer.”

Meanwhile, back at Stratford on their home stretch of river, Stratford’s junior squads were busy putting in their final training for Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s own regatta this coming Saturday 15 June. Racing will be from the weir to the Club grounds starting at 08.30 and going on throughout the day until 17.00hrs. Great places to watch the racing are from the RST Riverside Café, the Bancroft Gardens and The Rec

Commenting, Dawson Curnock, Stratford Boat Club Chairman and Regatta Secretary said, “It’s going to be a great day: as well as our own crews, we’ll be welcoming regional crews from Kings School Worcester, Evesham Rowing Club, King Edward V1 Boat Club, Clifton College, Monmouth Comprehensive Schools, Ross Rowing Club, AB Severn Boat Club, Royal Grammar School Worcester, Worcester Rowing Club and Bristol Ariel Rowing Club. It really is going to be a clash of the titans! Over one hundred and twenty races: an action packed day for all!”

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page forty five and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-compete-at-bridgnorth-regatta and back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/06/14&pages=24

Stratford Masters conquer the 50th Anniversary Head of the Dart 2022

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club masters squad competed in the 50th Anniversary Head of the Dart last weekend which is held on a fifteen kilometre course on the River Dart from Totnes to Dartmouth. The river offers stunning countryside views and is the home of thriller writer Agatha Christie. The tidal river can be remote and challenging with conditions ranging from calm and ideal to a significant swell which can prove difficult to a fine rowing boat.

Competition was strong this year with over one hundred boats entered and the event ran over two days. On Saturday fours and eights were raced from Totnes to Dartmouth: on Sunday, singles, doubles and pairs were run from Dartmouth to Totnes.

This year the Saturday boats rowed on a ebb tide with near ideal conditions: the tricky middle section which has sunk boats before now proved to be fairly benign with only a few waves breaking over the boats.

The Men’s Masters-E Coxed Four crew of David Edwards, Richard Aitchison, Graham Cann and Simon Skillings were coxed by Jen Cary. Jen’s excellent steering and cool nerves while being bounced around led the crew to a solid third place, beating crews from Dart Totnes Club and Plymouth Amateur Rowing Club with a time of 58:05

Graham Cann, crew member, said, “What a fantastic opportunity in great weather and company to represent Stratford Boat Club and to have rowed the River Dart in under an hour. We should thank each other for our commitments and the early starts in all types of weather and circumstances! A special thanks to our cox Jen for guiding us down through the Dart and our wonderful wives for their support, patience and assistance not only on the day but providing us with the opportunity to row!”

Tom Doherty and Heather Hayton also competed and entered a composite Mixed 4x- boat with Upton upon Severn Club and recorded an excellent time of 51:05, leading to a solid win over Tees Rowing Club, Dart Totnes and Der Club Germania.

Sunday saw the event run in the reverse direction with Tom and Heather entering a mixed double. Conditions were less favourable, with stronger winds and a faster tide. Despite these conditions, they recorded a time of 56:29 coming fourth in their class and twentieth overall.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page fifty three and Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-upon-avon-boat-club-masters-conquer-the-50th-anniversary-head-of-the-dart and also on back sports page. Also now on back sports page Stratford Observer’s Friday edition: https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2022/04/22&pages=024