Southsea Regatta. Saturday, 27th June 2026.

Ryde Rowing Club. Southsea Regatta. Saturday, 27th June 2026.

Eleven Crews and Scullers from Wightlink sponsored Ryde Rowing Club competed at the largest one day regatta in the country – Southsea Regatta - on Saturday (27th June) on a very warm day in near perfect conditions. The Ryde Club had six fours’ crews and five single sculler competing and came away with two wins.

Southsea Regatta is the only Regatta in the Hants & Dorset ARA Season where crews and Scullers from both the Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association and the Coast ARA (Kent and Sussex)  meet each other before the South Coast Rowing Championships held in September each year and scheduled to be hosted by Deal Rowing Club in 2026.

Ryde’s newly formed Open Novice Four of Lucas Georgiou, Harry Crofts, Max Locke, Cameron D’Arcy with Harry Watts coxing came 3rd in their heat to make the final where they finished in 5th place.

The Women’s Senior Four of Lisa Murphy, Abi Locke, Maggie Sanderson and Clare Gordon with Mai Read coxing  - who are actually a master’s 40 Crew -  rowed well to finish 7th in their final and then with Fiona Owen replacing Claire Gordon competed in the Women’s Master 40 event where they finished in 4th place.

This manoeuvre allowed the Clubs Senior Open Women’s Four of Stella Baisley, Alexis Owen, Fiona Owen, Emily Kellerman with Ruby Read coxing, who having not yet won a Senior Women’s Fours event, to compete in the Women’s Junior Senior Fours – an event not normally staged at a Hants & Dorset Regatta – where they finished comfortable winners.  

The Women’s Novice Four of Demi Cranham Ede, Abby Bird, Clare Gordon, Polley Townson with Mai Read coxing finished 5th in their heat just missing out on a place in the final.

The Ryde Clubs also had a J16 Boys Quad racing of Joe Bird, Harry Watts, Cameron Darcy, Max Locke with Mai Read Coxing finished in a very creditable 4th place bearing in mind young Harry Watts – normally a coxswain - is only 14 and making his competitive debut as an oarsperson in this race.

In the Sculling events Ryde had three Novice Single Scullers competing – with Charlie Watts finishing 3rd in his heat to reach the final which he went on to win. Ryde’s other Novice Scullers – Isaac Gibson – finished 5th in his heat – just failing to make the final and Joe Bird was 8th in his heat.  

In the Women’s Novice Single Sculls Stella Baisley finished 3rd in her Heat and Alexis Owen finished 4th in hers – both qualifying for the final – where Alexis finished in 4th place with Stella in 5th.

The Ryde Club also “lent” two other Hants & Dorset Clubs coxswains – with Rosie Morris coxing for a Christchurch Women’s Junior Four and Ruby Read steering a Poole Women’s Masters 50 four.

Coalporters Novice and Junior Regatta. Saturday 20th June 2026.

Coalporters Novice and Junior Regatta. Saturday 20th June 2026.

Due to the Isle of Wight Festival Wightlink sponsored Ryde Rowing Club only had two competitors at the Southampton Coalporters Novice and Junior Regatta on the River Itchen, Southampton on Saturday, 20th June 2026.

Lars Groothuis competed in the Open Novice Sculls event but unfortunately failed to make the Final. Ryde youngster Rosie Morris competed in two events – in the Girls J14 Single Sculls where she finished 2nd in her heat and in a composite crew in the Girls J14 double with a member of Shanklin Rowing Club where they finished 3rd in their heat.  

Isle of Wight Rowing Regattas. Saturday 30th May – Shanklin – and Sunday 31st May – Ryde.

Isle of Wight Rowing Regattas. Saturday 30th May – Shanklin – and Sunday 31st May – Ryde.

The Isle of Wight Rowing Regattas took place over the weekend of Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May with Shanklin Rowing Club hosting the Saturday Regatta and Ryde Rowing Club hosting the event on Sunday. Unlike last year where Shanklin lost all but four of their events and Ryde lost all the small boat events, the conditions for both events at this year's Regattas were nearly perfect and at both Regatta’s all the events were completed on time.

The results for the Wightlink sponsored Ryde Club were a little disappointing at both Shanklin and Ryde Regattas.

At Shanklin the  Open Senior Fours crew of Joe Bird, Paddy Kearney, Will Hall, Charlie Watts, Harry Watts, Cox finished 3rd in the  Final. In the Open Senior Pairs Paddy Kearney and Will Hall. Finished 5th in their Final and in the Open Novice Scull Charlie Watts finished in 4th place.

In the Women’s Events the Women’s Senior Four of Stella Baisley, Alexis Owen, Eva Gordon, Emily Kellerman with Ruby Read coxing finished 3rd in their Final. A Women’s Junior Four of Demi Cranham Ede, Abby Bird, Maggie Sanderson and Polley Townson with Mai Read Coxing finished 5th in their final and the Women’s Novice Four of Demi Cranham Ede, Abby Bird, Clare Gordon, Polley Townson, with Joe Bird (Cox) finished 4th in their Final. The Women’s Masters 40 Fours of Fiona Owen, Clare Gordon, Abi Locke, Maggie Sanderson with Mai Read Coxing also finished 4th in their Final. In the Women’s Novice Sculls event the Clubs A Sculler – Alexis Owen - finished 3rd in her heat qualifying for the final where she finished 2nd and the B sculler – Stella Baisley finished 2nd in her heat – again qualifying for the final – where she finished in 4th place.

On the Sunday at Ryde Regatta the Ryde Clubs Open Senior Four of Joe Bird, Paddy Kearney, Will Hall, Charlie Watts coxed by Harry Watts finished  4th in their Final and the Open Senior Pair of Paddy Kearney and Will Hall finished in 5th place and in the Open Novice Scull the Clubs A – Sculler - Charlie Watts – unfortunately capsized near the finish - and the Clubs B Novice Sculler – Joe Bird – finished 7th.

In the Women’s events the Women’s Senior Four of Stella Baisley, Alexis Owen, Eva Gordon, Emily Kellerman with Ruby Read Coxing finished 3rd in the Final. The Women’s Masters 40 Fours. of Fiona Owen, Clare Gordon, Abi Locke and Maggie Sanderson with Mai Read coxing came 4th  in their Final and the women’s Novice Four of  Demi Cranham Ede, Abby Bird, Clare Gordon, and Polley Townson with Joe Bird Coxing finished 4th in the Final. In the Women’s Senior Pair, the Ryde Crew of Fiona Owen and Abby Lock finished 4th in the Final and finally the Women’s Novice Scullers – Alexis Owen and Stella Baisley finished 3rd and 5th in their Final.

The other results from the Ryde Regatta were as follows – Open Senior Fours – 1st Itchen, 2nd BTC, 3rd Coalporters: Open Junior Senior Fours – 1st Southampton, 2nd Newport: The Open Junior Fours – 1st Coalporters, 2nd Poole, 3rd Southampton: Open Novice Fours - 1st Shanklin, 2nd Poole, 3rd  BTC: Women’s Senior Fours – 1st Itchen, 2nd Coalporters, 3rd Ryde: Women’s Junior Fours – Itchen, 2nd BTC, 3rd  Poole: Women’s Novice Fours – 1st Southampton, 2nd Newport, 3rd Itchen: Open Masters 40 Fours – 1st BTC A, 2nd BTC B, 3rd Coalporters: Open Masters 50 Fours. 1st BTC, 2nd  Southampton: Women’s Masters 40 Fours – 1st Itchen, 2nd Poole, 3rd Lymington: Women’s Masters 50 Fours – 1st Coalporters/BTC Composite, 2nd Poole, 3rd Shanklin: Open Senior Pairs – 1st Poole, 2nd BTC, 3rd Southampton: Open Junior Pairs – 1st Poole, 2nd Coalporters, 3rd Southsea: Women’s Senior Pairs – 1st Itchen, 2nd Coalporters, 3rd Shanklin: Women’s Junior Pairs – 1st Lymington, 2nd BTC, 3rd Itchen: Open Senior Sculls – 1st BTC, 2nd Poole, 3rd Poole: Open Junior Sculls – 1st Lymington, 2nd Lymington, 3rd Itchen: Open Novice Sculls – 1st Lymington, 2nd Coalporters, 3rd Itchen: Women’s Senior Sculls – 1st Coalporters, 2nd Itchen, 3rd Itchen: Women’s Junior Sculls – no race: Women’s Novice Sculls – 1st Poole, 2nd Shanklin, 3rd Ryde.

Ryde Rowing Club would like to acknowledge the support of the IW Council and Ryde Town Council plus the main sponsor TLM Laser and event sponsors DIGS Michael Jenner, Wightlink, Spinlock, Appley Manor Hotel, JPR Combustions Ltd, Waste R Us, Watts Construction, Neaves Rowing Fittings, Ryde Harriers, AB Composites, E3S Consulting, ADL Scaffolding, Harwoods Garage, Ryde Town Council and Wightlink  - as well as personal sponsorship from Steve Cook, Club President and Vice President Matt Smith.

Milford on Sea/Lymington Regatta. Saturday, 16th May 2026.

Milford on Sea/Lymington Regatta. Saturday, 16th May 2026.

Ryde Rowing Club, Sponsored by Wightlink IW Ferries, travelled to Milford-on-sea, near Lymington on Saturday (16th May) for Lymington Rowing Clubs Annual Regatta but the conditions were very rough, and deteriorated further during the morning  – and the Regatta was eventually abandoned with only six events completed.

A few Ryde Rowers did get a float – Rosie Morris competed in a Composite J14 Boys and Girls Quad with members of Poole Rowing Club finishing 2nd.

The Women’s Senior Pair of Emily Kellerman and Alexis Owen Finished 4th in their final.

In the Open Novice Sculls Charlie Watts had the misfortune to capsize in the rough conditions just a few lengths from completing the course in his heat.

The Women’s Master 40 Four of Fiona Owen, Maggie Sanderson, Clare Gordon, Abi Locke with Mai Read coxing  went afloat for their race as the conditions deteriorated further and the crews involved in the race had great difficulty in lining up at the start, with the race eventually abandoned and soon after  all racing was abandoned for the day.

The Club now has a week's break with no Hants & Dorset Regatta this Saturday – with the Shanklin and Ryde Regatta weekend the following week on Saturday, 30th May at Shanklin with Ryde hosting their own Regatta on Sunday 31st May.

Itchen Imperial Regatta. Saturday 9th May 2026.

Itchen Imperial Regatta. Saturday 9th May 2026.

Ryde Rowing Club, sponsored by Wightlink IOW Ferries competed at the 2nd Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association Regatta of the season on Saturday (9th May) hosted by Itchen Imperial Rowing Club – on the River Itchen, Southampton. The Regatta, over a 1500 course, is restricted to three boat racing so only the winning crews and scullers go through to the semi-finals and Finals. The Wightlink IOW Ferries sponsored Club had a smaller number of crews and scullers than usual due to exams.

The Ryde Clubs Senior Ladies Four crew of Eva Gordon, Alexis Owen, Emily Kellerman and Stella Baisley with Ruby Read coxing finished 2nd in their heat.

The Clubs Women’s Junior Four of Abby Bird, Maggie Sanderson, Polley Townson and Clare Gordon – with Ruby Read Coxing once again also finished 2nd in their heat and the Clubs Open Senior Pair of Paddy Kearney and Joe Roberts suffered a similar fate.

In the Open Novice Sculls the Ryde Clubs A sculler – Charlie Watts won his heat but could only manage 2nd place in his semi -final. The Clubs B Sculler – Joe Bird – finished 2nd in his heat.

In the Women’s Novice Sculls the two Ryde Scullers entered – Stella Baisley and Alexis Owen both won their heats with Alexis’s finishing 2nd in the final with Stella in 3rd place.

Newport Regatta’s – Fours – Saturday, 2nd May. Small Boats & Junior – Sunday 3rd May.

Newport Regatta’s – Fours – Saturday, 2nd May. Small Boats & Junior – Sunday 3rd May.

Ryde Rowing Club, sponsored by Wightlink IW Ferries, had mixed results at the first Hants & Dorset Regatta of the season - hosted by Newport Rowing Club, on a straight course on the River Media. The Regatta was staged over two days on Saturday the 2nd and Sunday 3rd May.

In the Fours event on the Saturday the Ryde Clubs Open Senior Fours crew of Paddy Kearney, Will Hall, Joe Roberts and Charlie Watts with Harry Watts coxing  contested one of the closest races of the day – finishing 2nd after narrowly losing  out to host club Newport in the three boat final.

The Senior Women’s Four of Eva Gordon, Alexis Owen, Stella Baisley, Emily Kellerman with  Ruby Read coxing won their heat but also finished 2nd in their Final – again by a small margin.

The Ryde Club boated two Women’s Novice Fours for the first time in several seasons the A crew of Ann Wright, Demi Cranham-Ede, Abby Bird, Clare Gordon with Rosie Morris coxing finishing 3rd in heat and the B Crew, of Polley Townson, Sandra Barry, Andrea Hazelwood and Darrell Reeve with Mai Read coxing finished 2nd in their heat – both failing to make the final.

In the women’s Masters 40 fours event the Ryde crew of Abi Locke, Maggie Sanderson, Fiona Owen and Lisa Murphy with Mai Read coxing once again finished 3rd in their Final.

On the Sunday it was the turn of the small boats – coxless pairs and single sculls with Ryde’s Open Senior Pair of Paddy Kearney and Joe Roberts finishing 3rd in their Heat.

In the single sculling events in the Open Novice Sculls the Clubs A sculler – Isaac Gibson -finished 2nd in his semi-final just failing to make the final while the B Sculler - Charlie Watts - won his heat and came 2nd in the semi-final.  

In the Women’s Novice Scull the Ryde Clubs A sculler – Stella Baisley finished 3rd in Final with the other two Ryde Scullers failing to make the final - Alexis Owen finishing 2nd in her heat and Emily Kellerman finishing 3rd in her Heat.

In the Open J16 Boys sculling event - Max Locke -  finished 3rd in his heat with Cameron Darcy finishing 2nd in his heat.

Southampton Coastal Head of the River Race. Saturday 21st March 2026.

Southampton Coastal Head of the River Race. Saturday 21st March 2026.

Ryde Rowing Club, sponsored by Wightlink, competed in the Southampton Coastal Head of the River Race on Saturday (21st March). The race was held over three divisions on the River Itchen, Southampton. The event started with a Junior Head of the River, in River Boats, for J14, J15 and J16 Boys and Girls over a 2500m course which was followed by two divisions, in Coastal Boats each over a 4500m course.

In the Junior Division Ryde and Shanklin Rowing Clubs combined to enter a Boys  J14 Double of Ryde’s Harry Watts and Shanklin’s Alex Collier who finished first in their section against limited opposition. The Ryde Club also had two J16 Boys Single Sculls with Max Locke finishing first in their section and Joe Bird finishing in 3rd place.

In division one the Ryde Club had two open Senior Fours crews racing and a Women’s Masters Four. The Club Open Senior A Crew of Paddy Kearney, Will Hall, Joe Roberts and Charlie Watts, with Mai Read coxing finished in 2nd place with the B Crew of Lars Groothuis, Lucas Georgiou, Max Locke and Isaac Gibson with Rosie Morris Coxing finished 3rd. The Women’s Master four of Lisa Murphy, Margaret Sanderson, Abi Locke and Fiona Owen with Ruby Read coxing finished 4th in their section.

In Division two the Ryde Club had a Women’s Senior Four, a Mixed Four and an Open Double. The Women’s Senior Four of Eva Gordon, Stella Baisley, Alexis Owen and Dem Cranham with Ruby Read coxing once again finished 6th in their section but the Mixed Crew of Maggie Sanderson, Fiona Owen, Joe Bird and  Isaac Gibson with Harry Watts coxing finished first in their section. The Open Double of . Lars Groothuis and Lucas Georgiou finished in  7th in their section. 

The IW Sports Achievements Awards.

The IW Sports Achievements Awards.

Rising stars, international champions and long-serving volunteers were honoured at the 51st Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Awards on Thursday, 19th March held at the Medina Theatre, Newport.

Among them Ryde Rowing Club’s Charlie Watts who won the intermediate Boys section in recognition of his outstanding performances at various single sculling events in 2025.

The Clubs Junior Women’s Squad of Abi Locke, Fion and Alexis Owen, Eve Gordon, Emily Kellerman and Ruby Read received a certificate of achievement for their Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association Coastal Junior Championship in 2025.

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.