Head of the Median, Saturday, 14th October 2023.

Head of the Median, Saturday, 14th October 2023.

Crews and Scullers from Wightlink sponsored Ryde Rowing Club competed in Newport Rowing Clubs Head of the Medina on Saturday (14th October). The Medina Head is a processional race, with crews and scullers starting at intervals, over a 3200m course, on the river Medina – from Newport Rowing Club to just beyond the Folly straight. As well as the three Island Club there were three visiting mainland Clubs – Southsea, Poole, and Lymington – with Southsea and Poole boating from Ryde’s Folly base along with the Ryde Crews and scullers. Ryde also provided some safety cover in support of the event.

In the first division a composite Men’s Coastal Senior 4+ from Ryde and Poole not only won their division but also put up the fastest time of the day. Ryde’s Paddy Kearney stroked the boat and young Harry Watts coxed.

Also, in the first division Ryde had three open coastal scullers competing – Charlie Watts finishing 2nd, Isaac Gibson finishing 3rd and Matthew Groothuis finishing 5th.

There was a first place for Ryde’s Men’s open coastal double of Lars Groothuis and Joe Bird and a 2nd place for Stella Baisley in the Women’s River Open single.

The Ryde Women’s Coastal Open double of Mai Mackay and Lottie Roland unfortunately had to withdraw from the race due to equipment failure.

In the 2nd Division there was a first place for Ryde’s Men’ Open River double of Charlie Watts and Isaac Gibson – and a 2nd place for Stella Baisley in the Women’s Open River single.

The Club also had three Men’s River Open singles racing – Paddy Kearney finishing 3rd, Lars Groothuis finishing 8th and Matthew Groothuis finishing 9th.