Women’s Eights Head of the River Race. Saturday 14th March 2026.

Women’s Eight’s Head of the River Race.

On Saturday 14th March Ryde Ladies made history when they took to the water in the Women's Head of the River. The Women's Eights Head of the River Race is a processional rowing race held annually on the Tideway of the River Thames in London on the 4+1⁄4-mile Championship Course from Mortlake to Putney. 

This is the 1st time a crew from the Island has ever competed in this prestigious event that has now become the largest women’s rowing race in the world with around 2,880 women racing and up to 320 crews taking part. It is the only race in the UK where novices can compete in the same race as Olympic champions and as such attracts a wide range of rowers from clubs and universities.

A bright sunny, although quite chilly day greeted them and a small band of supporters who travelled up to watch. After a long wait their race started and a race plan which they'd worked on was executed almost perfectly. They finished in a time of 22.50 with a finishing position of 13th in their category and 268th overall. Big thanks to all the organisers of the race and especially to the Royal Navy for lending us an 8.

Crew: Stella Baisley Crew: (str), Demi Cranham Ede (7),  Alexis Owen (6)  Fiona Owen (5), Abi Locke (4),  Lisa Murphy (3), Eva Gordon (2) Abby Bird (bow ), Ruby Reid (Cox).

Christchurch Head of the Stour. Sunday, 8th March 2026.

Christchurch Head of the Stour. Sunday, 8th March 2026.

Wightlink sponsored Ryde Rowing Clubs crews and scullers competed in the Christchurch Rowing Club Head of the Stour, a processional race over 2.7km, held over two divisions on the River Stour on Sunday, 8th March, 2026.

In Division one the Ryde Club had four single scullers competing - Issac Gibson in the Open Coastal Novice Sculls where he finished 2nd in a time of 11:50. The Club also had two Open J15 Single Scullers – Joe Bird – who also finished in 2nd place in his event – in a time of 12:56. And Max Locke, who finished 3rd in a time of 13:10. Finally – Charlie Watts – competed in the Open J18 Single Sculls event finishing in 3rd place in a time of 11:29.

In the 2nd Division the Club had an Open Double – of Joe Bird and Max Locke who finished in first place against admittedly limited opposition, in a time of 12:13 and an Open Coastal Senior Four of Paddy Kearney, Joe Roberts, Will Hall, Charlie Watts with Mai Read coxing who finished 2nd in their section in a time of 11:12.

Wightlink extends sponsorship of Ryde Rowing Club.

Wightlink extends sponsorship of Ryde Rowing Club.

Ryde Rowing Club is pleased to announce that Wightlink has extended its sponsorship of the club for another year, with the new agreement running through to December 2026.

Wightlink’s continued support via its Wightlink in the Community initiative provides essential assistance for the club in transporting competitors, coaches, and equipment to and from the Island for mainland competitions throughout the year. This invaluable partnership enables the club to regularly participate in events across the Hants & Dorset ARA Coastal Regatta Programme during the summer months, as well as in inland river events during the winter.

The sponsorship has been particularly beneficial to the club’s growing Junior Section, allowing them to attend competitions and training camps on the mainland. Without Wightlink’s generous support, these opportunities would be significantly limited.

Steve Cook, President of Ryde Rowing Club said: “We are very grateful for Wightlink’s ongoing partnership, which has been vital in helping the Club thrive over the years. Their support allows us to provide more opportunities for our rowers, particularly our Junior Section, and ensures they have the chance to compete at a national level. We’re incredibly proud of the work we do to nurture young talent and build a strong community spirit, and Wightlink’s continued involvement plays a huge role in making that possible.”

Wightlink, the main link between the Isle of Wight and the mainland, is one of the UK’s largest domestic ferry operators, carrying more than four million passengers annually. With up to 140 sailings a day across three routes, Wightlink offers a frequent service to Island residents and holidaymakers alike, with excellent facilities on board and at its ports. 

Sam Woodman, Wightlink’s Partnerships Marketing Manager, said: "We are incredibly proud to continue our sponsorship of Ryde Rowing Club. Its dedication to providing opportunities for young people to develop their skills and passion for rowing is truly inspiring. We’re delighted to help enable Island rowers to compete at a regional and national level - it’s an honour to be part of their journey.”

Wightlink’s long-standing commitment to the Ryde Club dates back to the early days of its sponsorship, which began with the company, then known as Sealink, supporting the 1987 Isle of Wight-hosted South Coast Rowing Championships Regatta. The Ryde club was the first to receive sponsorship from the company and it is believed to be the longest running and most successful sponsorship partnership in coastal rowing and one of the longest running in the sport of rowing as a whole.

BTC Spring Head. Saturday, 21st February 2026.

BTC Spring Head. Saturday, 21st February 2026.

Crews and Scullers from the Wightlink Sponsored Ryde Rowing Club competed in the BTC Rowing Club Spring HEAD of the River Race on Saturday 21st February over a five 5000m course on the River Itchen, Southampton, held over two divisions.

The Club had two Novice Coastal Scullers in Division one with Charlie Watts finishing 2nd in his section in a time of 20.31mins and Isaac Gibson finishing in 4th place in a time of 23:28 mins.

In the second Division the Club had a Women’s eight competing in a Hants & Dorset ARA event for the first time in preparation for an entry they have made in the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race on the Tideway in March 2026. This is the largest Women’s Rowing event in the world  and is the only race in the UK where novices can compete in the same race as Olympic champions and as such attracts a wide range of rowers from clubs and universities. This will be the first time a Ryde Crew has been entered for this event. The Ryde crew for the BTC Head race was - Abi Locke, Lisa Murphy, Eva Gordon, Abi Bird, Alexis Owen, Fiona Owen, Emily Kellerman, Stella Baisley and Ruby Read, coxing and they completed the BTC Head course in a time of 20.22 and finished in 5th place.

Also, in the 2nd Division the Club also had an Open River Coxed Four competing consisting of  Paddy Kearney, Joe Roberst, Will Hall, Charlie Watts with Mai Read coxing – who won their event in a Time. 17.51min.

They Club also had two single scullers competing in the second division -  a River Novice Sculler – Lars Groothuis –  who finished in 6th place in a time of 23.26mins and Max Locke competing in a J16 Coastal scull, against limited opposition, who won his section in a time of 23.39mins.

Ryde Rowing Club Sponsors/Supporters Evening. Saturday 8th February 2026.

Ryde Rowing Club Sponsors/Supporters Evening. Saturday 8th February 2026.

Ryde Rowing Club held their Annual Supporters and Sponsors function at their Appley Park Clubhouse on Saturday 8th February to thank their sponsors and supporters for all their help in 2025.  . Organised by Club members Ruby and Mai Read with support from their mother Suzy a number of guests joined Club Members to review the 2025 Season in which the Clubs Women’s Junior Crew won the Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association Championship and were runners-up for the South Coast Championship. The evening included refreshments and a presentation on their activities and success of the 2025  season with contributions from many of the Clubs Rowing Members of what the club means to them.

The Guest of honour was Wightlink’s Partnership Marketing Manager Sam Woodman accompanied by Martin Gulliver, Port Operations Manager. Wightlink have sponsored the Club for many years and without their support the Club and its growing Junior Section would find it very difficult to compete in all the mainland events they attend throughout the season. In recognition of Wightlink and Sam’s support over many years she was presented with the “Captains Cup” awarded annually to someone who has made a major contribution to the Club by the Club Captain Paddy Kearny.

IWRF Time Trial. 1/2/26.

IWRF Time Trial. 1/2/26.

Sunday morning saw calm conditions on the River Medina for the first winter time trial of 2026. Thirty nine crews from the three islands clubs of Newport, Ryde, and Shanklin Sandown competed, over two divisions. 

Division 1 was run over the shorter 1750m course.  The Newport Open 4+ crew of Freddie Hollis, Connor Garner, Boris Hare, Jude Williams and coxed by Mariana Hare led off the division, and finished with the fastest time of 6.47. They were pipped in gold medal % time (GMT) though, by Charlie Watts of Ryde who finished with 76.62% of GMT, and Isaac King of Shanklin Sandown with 75.67%, against Newport's 75.22%.

Division 2 was run over the longer 3450m course. The Newport Op 4+ of Boris Hare, Connor Garner, Nick McChesney,  Jude Williams, and coxed by Mariana Hare had the fastest time of 13.01, holding off the challenge of Ryde’s crew of Joe Roberts, Lars Grothius, Charlie Watts, Paddy Kearney, and coxed by Mai Reid with 13.10. However, both fours were beaten in percentage of GMT by Shanklin Sandown sculler Connie Batley-Smith who recorded the highest GMT percentage of the day at 78.58%, compared to Ryde’s 76.13% and Newport’s 77.3%.  The second division also saw the Ryde women’s eight make their competitive debut, finishing in a time of 14.06, as they progress their training for a planned entry in the Women’s Head of the River Race on the Thames in March.

RYDE Results.

Division One. 1750m.

Coastal. Open 1x. Isaac Gibson. 1st. 07:48.02

Coastal. Open 2-. Joe Roberts, Paddy Kearney. 1st. 8:14.58

Mixed Coastal. J14 2x. Rosie Morris and Harry Watts. 1st. 10:23.69

Open 1x. Charlie Watts. 1st. 7:25.36. Lars Groothuis. 2nd. 08:08.56

Open J16 1x. Joe Bird. 1st. 08:15.09. Max Locke. 2nd. 08:25.70

Women’s 4+. Alexis Owen, Eve Gordon, Stella Baisley,  Emily Kellerman, Ruby Reid (Cox). 1st. 07:47.38

Women’s. Mas40. 4+. Lisa Murphy, Abi Locke, Maggie Sanderson, Fiona Owen, Mai Read (Cox). 1st. 08:06.22

[9 crews & Scullers]. 

Division Two. 3450m.

Coastal. Open 1x. Issac Gibson. 1st. 15:22.62

Open 4+. Paddy Kearney, Charlie Watts, Lars Groothuis, Joe Roberts, Mai Read (Cox) 2nd. 13:13.00

Open. J16.2x. Max Locke, Joe Bird. 1st. 15:47.00

Open Women’s 8+. Abi Bird, Alexis Owen, Emily Kellerman, Abi Locke, Eva Gordon, Fiona Owen, Stella Baisley, Lisa Murphy, Ruby Reid. 1st 14:06.00

[4 crews & Scullers].

RRC Hon Secretaries Report to AGM of 28th November 2025.

Secretary Report 2025

Welcome to this year’s AGM.

It’s been another successful year both on and off the water.

On the rowing front we have had some fantastic results. The Junior Seniors had 3 wins and have been promoted to senior status. Isaac Gibson had a Novice sculls win. Charlie Watts won the J16 sculls at the South Coast.

5 junior rowers represented Wessex at the junior inter regionals with some encouraging results. We had J16 wins at the Itchen Junior Regatta and other regattas this season.

We recently took part in the indoor rowing competition held at Shanklin Rowing Club with plenty of wins. Charlie Watts recorded the fastest time ever at this event.

Ruby Read came a very close second to winning the Hants and Dorset coxswain of the year.

But the highlight of the year must be the ladies Junior Fours becoming Hants and Dorset champions.  Several crew members are relatively new to rowing. They are now at senior status and looking to progress further, having come a very close second at the South Coast Championships.

 Our club regatta was held on a Sunday for the first time in many years. It was a successful day even though only fours races were run, due to the wind. People complemented us on the catering, which, as usual, was very good.

On the social front the club has run several fundraisers, such as bingo and quizzes. The fish and chip supper remains a well supported event, with monthly talks being varied and always interesting. The club continues to be hired out for functions such as parties and corporate events. 

We have just had our annual awards night, which was attended by over 80 people. It was a fantastic evening.

Very sadly we have lost three longstanding members this year. Madge Brown, who was over 100,  was an avid supporter of the fish and chip supper. Julia Bottrell was a Vice president. Her son, Ollie, rowed for our club and also won at Henley. Carole Hewison, who was club secretary for many years, passed away recently. She will be remembered for banging on a saucepan early in the morning to wake up the rowers that camped in Appley Park after our regatta! Our thoughts are with their families.

Looking forwards, we are in the process of decorating the interior of the Clubhouse. Various other improvements have been made.

In 2027 the club will celebrate it’s 150th Anniversary. Plans are being formed so please look out for news on this over the coming months.

I would like to thank all the supporters and volunteers at the club. Without their help the club would not be able to run. This might be committee members down to the cleaning of the club. Our main sponsor, Wightlink   continues to provide us with free ferry travel to enable us to attend mainland regattas. I would like to thank Andy Toms of TML Laser who is the regatta’s main sponsor, and also Ryde Town Council for their support. We have received a grant from Wight aid for new sculling blades. A new pair/double has been purchased thanks to the generosity of club members.

I just want to end by thanking all the rowers, volunteers and sponsors that makes this club what it is.

Ryde R. C. Annual General Meeting, Friday 28th November 2025.

Ryde R. C. Annual General Meeting, Friday 28th November 2025.

Ryde Rowing Club held their Annual General Meeting at their Appley Park Clubhouse on Friday, 28th November 2025. Following a report on the year by the Club Secretary Darrell Reeve and the Financial report by Dave Redstone covering for Abi Locke the Financial Secretary the annual election of Executive Officers, General Committee and the Bar Committee took place.

Steve Cook was re-elected Club President and Paddy Kearney was re-elected Club Captain  with Isaac Gibson re-elected as Vice/Rowing Captain. Darrell Reeve was re-elected Club Secretary with Chris Groves re-elected as the Assistant Secretary.

Members of the General Committee were then elected with – 

Josie Bull, Ruby Read Miles Watts and Fiona Owen were elected to serve until November 2027  with Pete Gibson elected to serve until November 2026 joining Steve Bull, Jo Gibson and Dave Redstone who were already serving until November 2026. Finally, the Bar Committee was elected – with Steve Bull as Chairman, Dave Redstone as Bar Manager, Josie Bull as Assistant Bar Manager and Chris Groves as Secretary with a Committee member remaining vacant.

Ryde Rowing Club Awards Night.

Ryde Rowing Club Awards Night.

On Saturday (22nd November 2025) Ryde Rowing Club held its Annual Presentation of Awards with over eighty members and guests in attendance at their Appley Park Clubhouse. A summary of the season was presented which included a report on the Women’s Coastal Junior Fours six Hants & Dorset ARA wins during the season and three wins for the Club Open Junior Senior Four leading  to both of these crews gaining representative honours for the Association at the South Coast Championships Regatta at Plymouth in September and the Women winning the Hants & Dorset ARA Coastal Women’s Championship.

The Club Awards were then presented - with Traditional “First H&D ARA Rowing Win for Club” Spoons presented to Eva Gordon and Fiona Owen. The 1st Year Oars lady Award went to  Fiona Owen and and the best 1st Year Open Rower to Eva Gordon. The Coxswain’s Cup was awarded jointly to Harry Watts and Ruby Reid. The Oars lady of the Year Trophy was presented to  Abi Locke and best Open Rower awards went to Charlie Watts. The Coach’s Cup was awarded to Graham Reeve and the Committee Cup to Maggie Sanderson with the cadet Reps Trophy going to Demi Cranham-Ede and the Captains Cup going to Sam Woodman of Wightlink for their many years of support of the Club.

Photo: RRC Awards Night Winners  2025. L to R. Graham Reeve, Charlie Watts, Demi Cranham-Ede, Eva Gordon, Maggie Sanderson, Harry Watts, Ruby Read, Fiona Owen and Abi Locke.

Isle of Wight Rowing Forum Indoor Rowing Championship. Sunday 16th November 2025.

Isle of Wight Rowing Forum Indoor Rowing Championship. Sunday 16th November 2025.

Nine members of Ryde Rowing Club competed in the Isle of Wight Forum Indoor Rowing Championships hosted by Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club at their Clubhouse on Sunday , 16th November 2025.

Ryde member, Rosie Morris competed in the Year 7 Girls event finishing in 2nd place with a distance of 443m covered and Harry Watts competed in the Year 8 and 9 Boys event finishing in 2nd place with a distance of 919m.  The Club had two participants in the Year 11 Girls and Boys event with Cameron D’Arcy winning with a distance of 1685m covered in 6 minutes and Max Locke in 2nd place covering 1565m. Charlie Watts won the year 12 and 13 Boys event completing 2000m in a time of 6:36 and Lars Groothuis finishing 3rd in a time of 7:10. In the Year 12 and 13 Girls event – Alexis Owen finished 1st covering the 2000m distance in a time of 8:16 with Emily Kellerman 3rd covering the distance in a time of 8:28. Finally Fiona Owen finished 1st in the Adult and Masters Ladies competition completing the 2000m in a time of 7:51. So all Ryde Rowing Club participants received a medal.

Hants & Dorset ARA Presentation Dinner. Saturday 5th November

Hants & Dorset ARA Presentation Dinner.

Eleven members from Ryde Rowing Club attended the Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association Presentation Dinner, at Eastleigh Football Club on Saturday 8th November 2025 to witness the presentation of the Associations Women's Junior Fours Trophy and Medals to the Ryde Crew. The Trophy and individual medals were presented to Eva Gordon, Abi Locke, Fiona and Alexis Owen, Emily Kellerman and Ruby Read the coxswain by the Association President Andy Willimas from Coalporters Rowing Club.  This award followed the crew winning the Hants & Dorset ARA Women’s Junior Fours Trophy with six wins during the 2026 Season.

Appley Day. Saturday 5th October, 2025.

Ryde Rowing Club and its members played took an active part In Appley Day on Saturday 5th October - providing a Reading Nook plus Tea, Coffee and cakes in their main clubroom - and an Ergo/On-Line Rowing machine competition for thepublic outside the Clubhouse which was well supported by the visiting public.

Itchen Imperial Junior Regatta.

Itchen Imperial Junior Regatta. Sunday, 28th September 2025.

Sunday, 28th September 2025.

Junior crews from the Wightlink sponsored Ryde Rowing Club competed in the Itchen Imperial Rowing Clubs Junior Regatta on Sunday (28th September 2025) over a short 450 metre course on the River Itchen, Southampton. Racing was mainly in River boats, over the straight course with no racing turn for various categories and boat types for Boys and Girls from twelve to sixteen years. The regatta format was three boat racing with many events involving heats.

Ryde’s Open J16 River Four of Joe Bird, Charlie Watts, Cameron D’Arcy, Max Locke with  Harry Watt coxing won their heat and went on to win the Final. The same crew – with Mai Read replacing Harry Watts in the Coxswains seat also raced in the Open J16 River Quad and won their final  

In the Open J16 River Double Sculls the Ryde crew of Charlie Watts and Cameron D’Arcy also finished 1st in their final and the J15 River Double Sculls of Joe Bird and Max Locke finished 2nd in their heat. The youngest Ryde Crew competing – in the J12/13 Double Sculls - of Dexter Robson and Rosie Morris finished 2nd in their heat.

In the open River J16 Single for Competitors Ryde’s Charlie Watts won his heat and the final and Joe Bird competing in the Open J16 River Sculls for Novices also finished 1st in his heat and second in the final. Ryde’s two J15 River Scullers Max Locke and Cameron D’Arcy both won their respective heats with Cameron winning the final and Max finishing 2nd.

Two Ryde oars persons also competed in Composite crews with Shanklin - Dexter Robson competing in the Open J14 River Quad in which they finished 1st and Rosie Morris in the Girls J14 Quad who won their heat and finished 1st in their final.

All those competing for Ryde won a medal!

South Coast Rowing Championships Regatta. Plymouth. Friday 5th September – Junior & Small Boats Regatta. Saturday 6th September – Open and Championships Regatta.

South Coast Rowing Championships Regatta. Plymouth.

Friday 5th September – Junior & Small Boats Regatta.

Saturday 6th September – Open and Championships Regatta.

Ryde Rowing Club competed at the South Coast Rowing Championships Regatta on Friday (5th September and Saturday (6th September) which was hosted by Plymouth Rowing Club, Devon, on behalf of  the West of England Amateur Rowing Association over a straight 1000m course with a 1500m for the Championship Races on the Saturday - on the River Plym.  

The South Coast Rowing Championships brings together the Champions of the Hants & Dorset ARA, the Coast ARA, and the West of England ARA for the seven Championship events, the open events and the Junior Regatta and is the culmination of a long season for the competing clubs. The Championship regatta is staged in a three years cycle of the three South Coast Rowing Associations and this year it was the turn of the West of England Rowing Amateur Rowing Association to host the event.

An event held in the west country is usually staged in River Boats as opposed to the Coastal Boats used by the Clubs from the Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association and Coast Amateur Rowing Association – but this year the weather forecast, a few days before the regatta was due to take place was severe enough to force the organisers to take the brave decision to switch to Coastal Fours for the Junior Fours events on the Friday and for all racing on the Saturday.

Wightlink sponsored Ryde Rowing Club had ten crews and scullers competing over  the two days with two fours and two scullers competing on the Friday and six fours on the Saturday including two crews selected to represent the Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association in the Championship events.

The hi-light for the Club on the Friday was the performance of their Boys J16 single sculler – Charlie Watts – who finished 2nd in his heat and won the final convincingly.  A second sculler – Stella Baisley – competed in the Women’s Novice Sculls finishing in 5th place.

The Club also had two J18 Fours competing – a Men’s Four consisting of Ben Robotham, Joe Bird, Yogi Ashworth and Isaac Gibson with Harry Watts Coxing who finished 4th in their Final and a Women’s Four of Eva Gordon, Demi Cranham-Ede, Alexis Owen and Emily Kellerman with Mai Read coxing who finished 6th in their Final.

On the Saturday the Clubs Two representative crews competed in the Championship events over the longer course and it was a frustrating day for the Club’s Women’s Junior Four of Abi Locke, Fiona Owen, Alexis Owen, and Emily Kellerman with Ruby Read coxing who rowed exceptionally well to finish in 2nd place – loosening out on a win by the narrowest of margins - just three feet in the closest race of the day.

The Clubs second representative crew – the Men’s Junior Senior Four of Charlie Watts, Will Hall, Joe Roberts and Paddy Kearney with Mai Read coxing also raced well to finish in  4th place.

In the Open events, over the shorter course the Club had four crews competing.

A Women’s Open Senior 4+ of Eva Gordon, Maggie Sanderson, Lisa Murphy and  Stella Baisley, with Ruby Read coxing raced well to finish 3rd in their Final a performance equalled by the Men’s Open Junior-Senior 4+ of Ben Robotham, Joe Bird, Yogi Ashworth and Isaac Gibson with Harry Watts coxing  who also raced well to finish in 3rd place.

The Club also had two Novice Fours competing – a Men’s Open Novice 4+ of Harry Crofts, Cameron D’Arcy, Lucus Georgiou and Max Locke with Dexter Robson coxing who raced really well to finish in 2nd in their final and a Women’s Novice 4+ of Abby Bird, Carla Jenkins, Demi Cranham Ede and Nieve Murphy with Mai Read coxing who finished 5th in their Heat.

Coalporters Small Boats and Junior Regatta. Saturday 16th August 2025. (3 boat racing).

Coalporters Small Boats and Junior Regatta. Saturday 16th August 2025. (3 boat racing).

Wightlink sponsored Ryde Rowing Club took a small group of oarsmen to compete in the Coalporters Rowing Club Small Boats and Junior Events on Saturday 16th August on the River Itchen in Southampton.

Racing in the Open Novice Fours event over a 1500m course with a turn the Ryde “A” crew – Isaac Gibson finished 1st in his heat but could only manage 2nd place in the semifinal being defeated by the eventual winner. The Ryde “B” sculler – Charlie Watts - also finished first in his heat and in his semifinal going on to finish 2nd in the final.

Joe Bird and Max Locke competing in the Boys J16 double scull event over a straight 800m course finished 3rd in their semifinal. They both went on to compete in the Boys J16 Single sculls event over the same course where Max finished 2nd in his semifinal qualifying for the final as the fastest loser where he finished 4th – and Joe Bird won his semifinal and went on to win the final  convincingly.

Ryde Rowing Club crews will now focus on preparation for the South Coast Rowing Championships in Plymouth on the 6th of September where they have two fours’ crews – an Open Junior Senior Four and a Women’s Coastal Junior Four representing their Association, the Hants & Dorset ARA, in the Championship events.

Newport Regatta. Fours event - Saturday 9th August. Small Boats & Junior – Sunday 10th August.

Newport Regatta.

Fours event - Saturday 9th August.

Small Boats & Junior – Sunday 10th August.

Last weekend Ryde Rowing Club competed at the last Hants & Dorset Regatta of the Season on the River Medina, Newport. This was a two day event with the Coxed Fours events taking place on the Saturday over a straight 1500m course and the Small boats and Junior events taking place on the Sunday over a 1000m course.

The Wightlink sponsored Club had a good day on the Saturday winning two of the fours event.

They had two crews competing in the Open Junior Senior Fours event with the “A” crew of Joe Roberts, Paddy Kearney, Will Hall and Isaac Gibson with Mai Read coxing winning the Final in fairly convincingly and the Club “B” crew of Ben Robotham, Joe Bird, Yogi Ashworth and  Charlie Watts with Harry Watts coxing finishing in 3rd place. Ryde can now expect to be selected to represent their Association at the South Coast Rowing Championships in Plymouth on the 6th  of September.

The Women’s Coastal Junior Four of Abi Locke, Fiona Owen, Alexis Owen and Emily Kellerman, with Ruby Reed coxing  were comfortable winners in their heat going on to win the final convincingly. This crew had already secured the Hants & Dorset ARA Championship and representative honours for their Association at the South Coast Rowing Championships Regatta in Plymouth.

The Club also had a Women’s Novice Four of Niamh Murphy, Carla Jenkins, Demi Cranham-Ede, and Abby Bird with Mia Reed Coxing who finished 2nd in their heat – failing to make the final – and a composite Open Novice Four with Shanklin with Harry Crofts, Lucas Georgiou and Max Locke competing for Ryde with Harry Watts, coxing who finished 2nd in the Final.

Ryde Rowing Clubs young Coxswain Ruby Read was also voted the Hants & Dorset Cox of the day.

On the Sunday – in the Small Boats and Junior Regatta the Ryde Club had mixed fortunes.

There was an impressive debut for the Clubs Open J14 Coxed Quad of Harry Watts, Dexter Robson, Rosie Morris and Lenny Cranham-Ede with the experienced Mai Reed coxing – who finished 3rd in the Final but acquitted themselves really well in what was their first race for all of them except the cox.  

The Club had two Open Senior Pairs crews competing – the “A” crew of Paddy Kearney and  Charlie Watts finished 2nd in their heat and failed to make the Final. But the “B” of Will Hall and Joe Roberts – who also finished 2nd in their heat,  qualified for the final as fastest loser where they finished in 3rd place 

The Club also had a crew of Joe Bird and Max Locke competing in the Open Coastal Junior Pairs where they finished in 2nd place in their heat failing to make the final.

In the Open Novice Single Scull event Isaac Gibson – the Ryde “A” sculler was 1st in his heat  and 3rd in the Final while Charlie Watts the “B” sculler went one better – also winning his heat and finishing in 2nd place in the Final.

In the Women’s Novice Single Scull the Clubs “A” Sculler – Stella Baisley – won her heat and finished 2nd in the Final with the Clubs “B” Sculler - Emiley Kellerman also winning her heat and finishing 3rd in the final.

The Club also had two Boys J16 Single scullers competing – the Clubs “A” sculler unfortunately capsized prior to the start and was unable to compete but the Clubs “B” Sculler – Joe Bird won his heat finishing 2nd in the Final.

Finally, the Club had a J16 Girls single sculler – Alexis Owen – who also won her and finished in 2nd place in the Final.

ITCHEN IMPERIAL ROWING CLUB REGATTA. SATURDAY 2nd AUGUST 2025.

ITCHEN IMPERIAL ROWING CLUB REGATTA. SATURDAY 2nd AUGUST 2025.

Ryde Rowing Club made the short trip to Southampton for the Itchen Imperial Rowing Club Regatta on Saturday (2nd August 2025) held over a 1400 metre course on the river Itchen where crews and scullers compete in three boat races usually involving heats and a final for each event type.

Wightlink sponsored Ryde Rowing Club had one of their most successful Regattas so far this season winning two events and claiming a Hants & Dorset ARA Championship as well as, almost certainly, representative honours for their Rowing Association – the Hants & Dorset ARA – for two fours crews at the South Coast Rowing Championships at Plymouth on the 5th and 6th September.

The hi-light for the Wightlink sponsored Club came in the Women’s Coastal Coxed Fours where the Clubs “A” crew of Emily Kellerman, Alexis Owen,  Eva Gordon and Abi Locke with  Ruby Reed coxing finished 1st in their heat and the Semi Final and went on to win the two boat final in convincing style. This win gave the Ryde Club the Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association Women’s Coastal Junior Fours Championship and selection for the Association to represent them at the South Coast Championship Regatta in the Championship event. The “B” crew of Niamh Murphy, Demi Cranham-Ede, Carla Jenkins and Fiona Owen with Mai Read coxing finished 2nd in their heat.

There was another fine Ryde performance in the Open Junior Senior Fours event where the “A” Crew of Paddy Kerney, Will  Hall, Joe Roberts, and Charlie Watts with Mai Read coxing also won their final and were followed home in 2nd place by the Clubs “B” crew of Isaac Gibson, Yogi Ashworth, Ben Robotham and Joe Bird with Harry Watts coxing. This will almost certainly lead to the Club gaining South Coast Championship Association representative honours in this  Championship event at Plymouth as well.

The Club had two single scullers competing in the Men’s Open Sculls  - the “A” crew if Isaac Gibson finishing 2nd in his heat just missing out on a place in the semi-final but the “B” sculler Charlin Watts secured a win in his heat and semi-final before going on to finish in 2nd place in the final. The Club also had a Novice Women’s Sculler competing – Stella Baisley – who won her heat and finished 2nd in her semi-final just missing out on a place in the final.

BTC & Woolston Regattas. Saturday 26th July and Sunday 27th July 2025.

BTC & Woolston Regattas.

Saturday 26th July and Sunday 27th July 2025.

Ryde Rowing Club had a busy weekend last week when they competed in mainland Regattas on both the Saturday and the Sunday (Saturday 26th July and Sunday 27th July 2025). This “double header” – BTC Southampton Rowing Clubs Regatta and Woolston Regatta, organised by Southampton Rowing Club  - were held over an almost identical 1800m course at Western Shore, Woolston. Southampton.

In the BTC Regatta on the Saturday the hi-light of the weekend for the Wightlink sponsored Ryde Club came in Men’s Novice Sculls where Isaac Gibson won in a close race.

The Club had two Open Junior Senior Fours competing – the “A” crew of Will Hall, Paddy Kearney, Joe Roberts, Charlie Watts with Mai Reed Coxing finished 2nd in their final with the “B” Crew of Isaac Gibson, Ben Robotham, Yogi Ashworth, Lars Groothuis, with Harry Watts coxing finished in 3rd place.

In the Open Coastal Junior Fours, the Ryde crew Ben Robotham, Joe Bird, Yogi Ashworth and  Lukas Georgiou with Mai Reed Coxing finished 4th in their final.

The Ladies Senior Fours crew Eve Gordon, Maggie Sanderson, Stella Baisley and Demin Cranham Ede with Ruby Read coxing  – and racing above their status – did well to finish in 4th Place.

The Clubs Women’s Coastal four of Abi Locke, Fiona Owen, Alexis Owen, Emily Kellerman with Ruby Read  coxing once again will be slightly disappointed to have finished in 2nd place in their Final.

Ben Sanderson finished 5th in his final on the Open Coastal Junior Sculls and Stella Baisley, competing in the Ladies Novice Sculls finished 4th in her Final.

On the Sunday, at Woolston Regatta the Open Junior Senior “A” crew again finished 2nd  with one change of crew, with Dale Buckett making his first appearance of the season after competing for his River Club in the early part of the season. The unchanged “B” Crew of Yogi Ashworth, Lars Groothuis, Ben Robotham, Isaac Gibson with Ruby Reed coxing 3rd in third in the final.  

The Open Coastal Junior Four Crew, who were unchanged apart from the coxswain who was Ruby Read, finished 2nd in their final to qualify for the Final where they repeated Saturday’s performance again finishing in 4th place.

The unchanged Women’s Coastal Four “A” crew who finished in third place to gain a place in the Final and  once again will be slightly disappointed to have Finnish in 2nd place in the final. The Clubs Women’s Coastal Junior B Crew of Aby Bird – competing for the first time having only rowed twice before  - Demi Cranham-Ede, Eva Gordon and  Maggie Sanderson with Mai Read Coxing finished 4th in their Heat.

A young Men’s Coastal Junior Pair crews of Joe Bird and Max Locke finished in 5th place in their final.

The Clubs Open Novice Sculler was not able to repeat his win of the previous day finishing 3rd in the Final  and Novice Women’s Sculler – Stella Baisley – repeated the previous day 4th place in her final.

Alexis Owen, competing in the J16 Girls Sculls finished 6th in her final and J16 Boys Single Sculler raced really well – with Joe Bird finishing in 2nd place and Max Locke finishing in 5th.

The Club also entered crews in the mixed race on each day.

Southampton Coalporters Regatta. 19th July 2025. (Three Boat Racing).

Southampton Coalporters Regatta. 19th July 2025. (Three Boat Racing).

Crews and Scullers from Ryde Rowing Club competed at the Southampton Coalporters Rowing Club Regatta on Saturday (19th July) on the River Itchen in Southampton over a 1500 metre course, with a racing turn and with a maximum of three boat racing so most events involved heats, semi-finals and a final.

The highlight of the day for the Wightlink sponsored Ryde Club came from the Women’s Coastal Junior Four of Emily Kellerman, Abi Locke, Alexis Owen and Eva Gordon with Ruby Read coxing – who finished 1st in their Semi-Final and went on to win the Final quite convincingly – to take their Hants & Dorset ARA Championship points tally to five.

In the Open Junior Senior Fours there was a good performance from the Ryde Crew of Will Hall, Paddy Kearney ,Charlie Watts and Issac Gibson with Mai Read Coxing who finished a close 2nd in their Final.

There was another good performance from the young Ryde Coastal Junior Four of Lars Groothuis, Ben Robotham, Cameron D’Arcy and Lukas Georgiou with Harry Watts coxing. They finished 1st in heat, following an excellent racing turn from young Harry Watts – and were placed 3rd in the Final.

The Clubs Women’s Novice Four of Niamh Murphy, Demi Cranham Read, Carla Jenkins with Georgia Cask from Poole and  Ruby Read coxing once again finished 2nd in their heat –  just failing to make the Final.

The Open Coastal Junior Pair of Max Locke and Joe Bird came a close 2nd in their heat – also failing to make the Final.

In the single sculling events Paddy Kearney, sculling above his status in the Open Senior Sculls finished 3rd in his final and Stella Baisley, who was also sculling above her status, also finished 3rd in her final.

The Ryde Club’s Max Locke raced in a Composite crew in the Open Novice Fours with three oarsmen from Poole – who finished 2nd in their heat.

Finally, the young Ryde Coxswain – Harry Watts – was awarded the Cox of the Day award.

Milford-on-Sea/Lymington Regatta. Saturday, 12th July 2025.

Milford-on-Sea/Lymington Regatta. Saturday, 12th July 2025.

A strong contingent of - six fours’ crews, four pairs/doubles and two single scullers from the Wightlink Sponsored Ryde Rowing Club competed at Lymington Regatta on Saturday (12th July 2025) which is held at Milford-on-Sea, overlooking the Needles where the conditions were calm and it was very hot!

In the Open Junior Senior Fours, the Ryde Club had two crews competing – the “A” crew of - Will Hall, Paddy Kearney, Joe Roberts and Charlie Watts with Mai Reed Coxing raced well to finish in 2nd place in the Final while the “B” crew – in their first outing of the year - of Isaac Gibson, Cameron Darcy, Ben Robotham and Yogi Ashworth with Harry Watts coxing finished in 3rd place.

The Open Junior Four of  Cameron D’Arcy, Ben Robotham, Yogi Ashworth and  Joe Bird with Harry Watts coxing were well placed at the turn in their Final but unfortunately there was an incident at the turn which led to the crew’s disqualification.

In the Women’s Junior Fours event the Ryde crew of Abi Locke, Fiona Owen, Alexis Owen and  Emily Kellerman with Ruby Reed Coxing finished 2nd in their heat to reach the final where they went one better securing a win and gaining another Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association Championship point.

The Club’s Women’s Novice Ladies four of Niamh Murphy, Clara Jenkins, Demi Cranham-Ede, and  Lorna Worthington with Mai Reed coxing finished 6th in their Final.

The J16 Boys Coxed Quad of Cameron D’Arcy, Joe Bird, Max Locke and Charlie Watts with Harry Watts coxing finished a slightly disappointing 7th in their final .

The Women’s Senior Pair of  Stella Baisley and Lisa Murphy finished 5th in the Final and went on to compete in the Women’s Double Sculls where they finished 3rd.

However, in the J16 Boys Double Sculls Max Locke and Joe Bird raced exceptionally well to win their event fairly convincingly.

The Club also had a Girls Double Scull competing of Eve Gordon and Alexis Owen who finished in 4th place in their Final.

The Ryde Club also had two Novice Single Scullers competing – Isaac Gibson in the Men’s Event – who finished 3rd in his heat to qualify for the Final where he also finished in 3rd place and in the Women’s Event – Stella Baisley who finished 4th in her final.