Club News for 2009

HAWCO SPRINT 2009

An excellent entry was received for the HAWCO SPRINT 2009 when 80 races were contested by a fine representation of clubs from throughout Scotland, Bradford and Devon, members of whom all achieved success in the events offered. Senior, veteran and particularly junior members excelled in the difficult gusty conditions on Saturday 16th August on the superb rowing waters of the Caledonian Canal in Inverness.

Inverness crews featured in many of the events winning a total of ten events throughout a day of fine competitive racing.

Winners are listed below as follows:-

Men O 1x Aberdeen BC - Crosland
Men R2 1x Aberdeen BC - Crosland
Men Nov 1x Loch Lomond RC - Sartine
Men Vet C/D 1X Aberdeen BC - Wallace
Men Vet E/F 1X Nithsdale RC - Kerr
Men R2 2X Aberdeen BC - vandenNouland
Men Nov 2X Bradford SRC - Waite
Men Vet A/D 2X Nithsdale RC - Kerr
Men Vet F/G 2X Stirling RC - Robb
Men R1 2- Aberdeen BC - Crosland
Men Vet 2- St Andrew BC - Ellinghaus
Men R1 4+ St Andrew BC/Nithsdale RC - Wilson
Men Nov 4+ Aberdeen BC - Imrie
Men Vet A/B 4+ St Andrew BC/Nithsdale RC - Wilson
Men Vet E 4+ Aberdeen BC/Inverness RC - Mathieson

Open Junior 14 1x Loch Lomond RC - Claxton
Open Junior 16 1x Stirling RC - Hall
Open Junior 18 1x Stirling RC - Hall
Open Junior 14 2x Strathclyde Park RC - Meinicke
Open Junior 16 2x Stirling RC - Steel
Open Junior 14 4x+ Strathclyde Park RC/Loch Lomond RC - Bradley
Open Junior 16 4x+ Bradford SRC - McWhinney

Women R2 1x Inverness RC - VanExan
Women Nov 1x Aberdeen BC - Tracey
Women Vet 1X Inverness RC - Geddes
Women Nov 2x Aberdeen BC - Tracey
Women R2 4+ Inverness RC - Smith
Women R2 4x+ Inverness RC/Grenville College RC - Hunter
Women R2 8+ Inverness RC - Smith

Women Junior 14 1X Inverness RC - Wells
Women Junior 16 1X Castle Semple RC - McDonald
Women Junior 14 2X Inverness RC/Castle Semple RC - Hunter
Women Junior 16 2X Inverness RC/Castle Semple RC - Wells
Women Junior 18 2X Bradford School RC/Inverness RC - Ainscoe

Mixed R2 8+ Inverness RC/Bradford School RC - Waite

Generation 4x+ Stirling RC - Robb


Other Inverness crews were also involved in a number of extremely close finishes throughout a day of fine competitive racing.

Prizes were presented by George Hawco, Director of event sponsor Hawco of Inverness


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 17th August 2009

Home International Regatta 2009

Last weekend, the Home International Regatta took place at the Holme Pierrepoint rowing lake at Nottingham.

Imogen Walsh claimed both gold and silver medals with outstanding performances for her gold in the stroke seat of the Scottish crew in the womens eights event and in the lightweight single scull for her silver medal.

Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 30th July 2009

NORTH ROWERS SUCCESS AT NATIONAL ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS of GREAT BRITAIN

Last weekend the GB National Rowing Championships took place at the Holme Pierrepoint rowing lake at Nottingham.

Current Scottish champions in both womens junior 14 and junior 15 coxed quadruple sculls, Inverness members Meghan Hunter from Dingwall and Rachael Wells from Inverness won bronze in the final of the womens junior 14 event at Nottingham in a composite crew with Castle Semple’s Catlin Horsburgh, Emma McDonald and Emma Brander in the cox’s seat. After winning their heat and qualifying from second place in their semi final, the crew challenged in fine style all the way down the 2000 metre course in Saturday’s final to claim the first ever medals won by an Inverness crew at the National Championships.

On Sunday, Imogen Walsh claimed both gold and silver medals with an outstanding performance in the lightweight single scull for her gold and achieved her silver medal in the stroke seat of the Clyde ARC/Glasgow University BC/Glasgow RC/Aberdeen University BC/Edinburgh University BC composite crew in the womens eights event. Ross-shire oarsman Alan Sinclair also had a successful championship, winning three gold medals. Success was achieved in coxed and coxless fours and in a highly exciting and nail biting last event of the day in which his Leander eights crew snatched gold from Molesey Boat Club by a margin of just under half a length.

Next Saturday, junior and senior teams from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales contest the various event categories at the Home Countries International regatta, this year being staged in Nottingham. Imogen Walsh, as the only representative from Inverness, will race in both the lightweight single sculls and will be in the stroke seat of the Scottish eight at this important annual regatta.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 21st July 2009

HAWCO SPRINT 2009

Just to confirm that entry details, poster and entry forms for the Hawco Sprint on Saturday 15th August are posted under Events/Results on the drop down menu on the club website.

Please note the deadline date for submission of entries as

ENTRIES WILL CLOSE AT 5PM ON FRIDAY 7TH AUGUST 2009

Please submit your Entries via email to: entries@invernessrowingclub.org.uk

Please post cheques for your entries to:
Hazel Geddes
7 Dores Avenue
Inverness IV2 4RR


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 20th July 2009

NATIONAL ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS of GREAT BRITAIN

This weekend from 17th to 19th July, the GB National Rowing Championships take place at the Holme Pierrepoint rowing lake at Nottingham.

Current Scottish champions in both womens junior 14 and junior 15 coxed quadruple sculls, Inverness members Meghan Hunter from Dingwall and Rachael Wells from Inverness will contest the womens junior 14 event at Nottingham in a composite crew alongside Catlin Horsburgh and Emma McDonald with Emma Brander in the coxes seat from Castle Semple Rowing Club.

Ross-shire oarsmen Colin Sinclair and his elder brother Alan will compete in sculling and sweep oared events. Colin will race on the Under 23 single sculls event whilst Alan will race in double sculls, coxless fours and eights events in Leander crews with a variety of crewmates.

Two other former Inverness club members will also race at Nottingham. Clyde ARC member and current Scottish single sculling champion Imogen Walsh, will race in the lightweight single sculls and also be in the stroke seat of the Clyde ARC/Glasgow University BC/Glasgow RC/Aberdeen University BC/Edinburgh University BC composite eights crew in the womens eights event. Colin Williamson (Leander) will race in the coxless fours and eights events.



Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 13rd July 2009

Henley Royal Regatta 2009

In the quarter finals of the Remenham Challenge Cup, Imogen Walsh was in the stroke seat of the Clyde A.R.C. & Edinburgh University BC composite crew which faced up to the might of the American Championship winning eight from Yale University. Giving away almost two stones per person against their American opponents, the Scots crew pushed the opposition all the way but lost out in the fastest time recorded in that day's racing in this event.



Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 5th July 2009

Henley Royal Regatta 2009

Magnificent weather conditions were experienced at Henley Royal Regatta this year with the Henley Stewards for the first time in thirty six years permitting gentlemen to remove their jackets in the Stewards Enclosure on two successive days due to the exceptionally hot weather.

On Friday, Alan Sinclair’s Leander crew in the Ladies Challenge Plate had a fine three and a half lengths win over a composite London RC /Henley RC crew in a quick time of 6 minutes 35 seconds.

Saturday brought slighty cooler conditions with a gusty headwind for their semi-final race against a strongly fancied American eight from Brown University.

Both crews set off a a high rating with the Brown‘s crew just edging ahead at the quarter mile marker. The established a small lead of half a length over the Leander crew who pressed hard all the way down the course, encouraged by the huge vocal support lining the banks of the Thames. Leander closed the margin to a canvas but just failed to overhaul their opponents with an extremely fast time of 6 minutes 28 seconds being recorded by the Brown University crew.



Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 4th July 2009

Nithsdale Regatta 2009

On Saturday 29th June, Colin Sinclair stroked the Strathclyde University Boat Club's Mixed Coxed Four to a 2 foot win in the final of this event on the River Nith in Dumfries. His crewmates were Paul West, and sisters Kate and Shona Dunn.

Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 29th June 2009

Scottish Athletes compete at Henley Royal Regatta

Three former members of Inverness Rowing Club will compete in two separate events at Henley Royal Regatta this week.

Colin Williamson (from Perth) and Alan Sinclair (from Belmaduthy in Ross-shire) developed their successful rowing careers also as members of Aberdeen University Boat Club and Aberdeen Boat Club and now as members of the Leander Club in Henley on Thames will compete in the Ladies Challenge Plate for eights with their first race taking place on Friday.

Following excellent performances by both athletes in earlier regattas and events over the past nine months, Colin will race in the No 3 seat whilst Alan is the bowman of the Leander eight which on Friday meets the winner of the previous day’s preliminary heat between London R.C. & Henley R.C / Girton College, Cambridge.

Also on Friday, Imogen Walsh (from Inverness) will be in the stroke seat of the composite Clyde ARC/Edinburgh University BC eight which successfully emerged from the qualifying races last Friday and will race an experienced crew from Yale University, USA in the Remenham Challenge Cup.

Other Scottish crews are also involved at this year’s Royal Regatta. Glasgow RC’s first races will be against Tyne RC in the Wyfold Challenge Cup for coxless fours and Thames RC in the Britannia Challenge Cup for coxed fours. Clydesdale ARC will start their campaign against Tideway Scullers School in the Prince of Wales Challenge Cup for quadruple sculls. In their first race in the Temple Challenge Cup for university eights, Edinburgh University BC will race Kent School from the USA whilst Glasgow University BC will race Southampton University BC in the first round of the Prince Albert Challenge Cup for university coxed fours.



Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 28th June 2009

Gold Medals for Inverness Rowing Club

Inverness Rowing Club members again achieved significant success at the two day Scottish Championship Regatta at Strathclyde Park in Hamilton last weekend in dry, sunny weather conditions in winning gold medals in a total of six events – womens junior 14 double sculls, womens junior 15 double sculls, womens junior 14 coxed quadruple sculls, womens junior 15 coxed quadruple sculls, womens veteran C coxed fours and mens veteran E single sculls.

Excellent junior wins on Saturday were recorded when Meghan Hunter and Rachael Wells achieved a closely fought win in the womens junior 14 double sculls over crews from Castle Semple RC and Nithsdale ARC. Both girls in company with Rozy Shepherd, Kirsty Guild and cox Emma Brander of Castle Semple RC had earlier chalked up a convincing win in womens junior 14 coxed quadruple sculls against crews from Aberdeen Schools RA and George Watsons College BC. Other gold medal winners on Saturday were Caroline Keith, Susanne Standish-Hunter, Hazel Geddes, Hazel Smith and cox Jonny Harvey in womens veteran C coxed fours. The mens veteran D coxed four of Dave Rothwell, John Sharkey, Alastair Duff, Tom Baker and cox Jonny Harvey just lost out on gold by a mere 0.32 seconds to a crew from Glasgow RC.

Sunday’s wins were recorded when Meghan Hunter and Rachael Wells achieved a well deserved win in the womens junior 15 double sculls over crews from Castle Semple RC and Aberdeen Schools RA in which Kirsty Guild and Rozy Shepherd finished just outside the medal positions. Meghan and Rachael combined well with Emma McDonald, Caitlin Horsburgh and cox Emma Brander of Castle Semple RC to record a convincing 16 second win over a crew from Aberdeen Schools RA in womens junior 14 coxed quadruple sculls. Tom Baker claimed his gold with a fine performance in mens veteran D single sculls winning by several lengths from scullers from Loch Lomond RC and Aberdeen BC.

Imogen Walsh from Inverness and Colin Sinclair from the Black Isle also claimed gold in a variety of events. In the colours of Clyde ARC, Imogen convincingly won both the womens open and lightweight single sculls and was a member of the winning womens double sculls and womens open eights crews. In the colours of Strathclyde University BC, Colin sculled well to win both the mens novice single sculls on Saturday and mens intermediate single sculls on Sunday.

Other Inverness members performed with distinction in other events. The mens eight which comprised members of Saturday’s coxed four crew together with Mauritz Bauer, Gary Hunt, Roy Sinclair and cox Susanne Standish-Hunter had a fine race against composite crews from central belt clubs, just missing out on a medal position. Hazel Geddes and Hazel Smith claimed second place with Mary Clouston and Sally Moore in third place in the womens veteran D double sculls whilst both Clouston and Moore just missed out in their heats on qualifying for the final of womens novice single sculls. Bauer and Hunt sculled well in mens novice double Sculls as did the Sharkey/Sinclair combination in veteran double sculls and Wells, Geddes, Duff and Sinclair in their respective junior and veteran single sculling events.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 15th June 2009

Inverness Rowing Club at Scottish Rowing Championships

Next Saturday and Sunday 13th and 14th June sees twenty Inverness Rowing Club members travelling to take part in the Scottish Rowing Championships which incorporate the Scottish Schools Rowing Championships on the eight lane international 2000 metre rowing course near Hamilton.

Inverness crews are entered in Junior, Senior and Veteran events on both days in this most significant event of the Scottish regatta season.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 10th June 2009

Inverness Success at the Castle Semple Regatta etc

Last Saturday, members of Inverness Rowing Club travelled to compete in a variety of junior, senior and veteran events at the Castle Semple Rowing Club’s regatta on the 1000 metre six lane course at Lochwinnoch in Renfrewshire. Three of the club’s junior members also competed for the North Area in the events in the first ever Scottish Junior Inter-Regional Championship being held in conjunction with Saturday’s regatta.

In this championship, teams of male and female athletes in the under 15 and under 16 age categories representing north, east, west and central/south areas took part in boys and girls quadruple sculling and mixed eights events on the six lane 1000 metre course in fine, sunny and sometimes blustery conditions. Close racing excited the many spectators with the north, central/south and east teams each achieving success in one event with the team trophy being awarded to the delighted north team on account of their second place finish in the two other events. Team captain Alan Lawrie accepted the trophy on behalf of the north team which was largely composed of boys and girls from Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association who raced along with Meghan Hunter, Rosie Sheherd and Kirsty Guild from the Inverness club.

In the other events staged, the Inverness womens junior under 15 coxed quadruple sculls crew of Meghan Hunter, Rosie Shepherd, Kirsty Guild, Rachael Wells and Emma Brander (cox - from Castle Semple RC) recorded a fine win in their event chased home by crews from Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association and George Watsons College Boat Club. Also striking gold were Hazel Geddes with a sound wins in womens veteran single sculls and with Katie Van Exan in the womens veteran double sculls. Other Inverness athletes performed well in the tricky crosswind conditions, some narrowly missing gold medal positions.

Now rowing with Strathclyde University Boat Club, Black Isle athlete Colin Sinclair
was in the stroke seat of both their R2 coxed four and eight crews which recorded significant wins over other experienced club and university crews.

And also at the weekend at the Metropolitan Regatta at Dorney Lake near Eton, Inverness athlete Imogen Walsh, now rowing with Clyde ARC, convincing won her heat and later claimed an excellent silver medal in Elite lightweight single sculls against strong opposition from Scottish and English clubs.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 2nd June 2009

Another busy weekend on the water - Scottish Junior Inter-Regional Rowing Championships etc etc

The inaugural Scottish Junior Inter-Regional Championships were held on Lochwinnoch in Renfrewshire on Saturday 30th May in conjunction with the annual Castle Semple Rowing Club’s regatta.

Teams of male and female athletes in the under 15 and under 16 age categories representing north, east, west and central/south areas took part in boys and girls quadruple sculling and mixed eights events on the six lane 1000 metre course in fine, sunny and sometimes blustery conditions. Close racing excited the many spectators with the north, central/south and east teams each achieving success in one event with the team trophy being awarded to the delighted north team on account of their second place finish in the two other events. Team captain Alan Lawrie accepted the trophy on behalf of the north team which was largely composed of boys and girls from Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association who raced along with three girls from Inverness Rowing Club.

Meanwhile, success was achieved by a variety of clubs in the many other junior, senior and veteran event categories which were competed for at this highly popular Castle Semple Regatta. Eleven wins were recorded by the members of Clydesdale Amateur Rowing Club whilst members of George Watsons College Boat Club and Glasgow Schools Rowing Club recorded ten wins each.

Also taking place on Saturday was the Metropolitan Regatta at the future 2012 Olympic rowing venue at Dorney Lake near Eton where Andrew Holmes from George Watsons College Boat Club was a crew member of a composite coxless four with another three members of the GB junior squad which recorded an outstanding win by the significant margin of almost 10 seconds ahead of University of London to claim the Thames Cup for the Elite Coxless Fours in a fast time of 6 minutes 36.5 seconds.

And to cap it all, three times Olympic silver medallist Katherine Grainger of St Andrew Boat Club outclassed an international field of single scullers to record a convincing win and claim gold in the first World Cup regatta of the season at the former Olympic course at Banyoles in Spain.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 31st May 2009

Inverness Success at the Belfast Sprint Regatta

Last Saturday 23rd May, three members of Inverness Rowing Club travelled to Northern Ireland to compete in the Belfast Sprints organised by Belfast Rowing Club.

Success was achieved on the 500 metre sprint course by all three with Hazel Smith winning the mixed doubles sculls with a crewmate from Belfast Boat Club, Katie Van Exan winning in mixed eights with Belfast Boat Club crewmates whilst Jonny Harvey coxed the Belfast Boat Club’s womens veteran coxed four to victory.

Next Saturday, the Inverness club travel to compete in a variety of junior, senior and veteran events at the Castle Semple Rowing Club’s regatta on the 1000 metre lane course at Lochwinnoch in Renfrewshire. Two of the club’s junior members will also compete in the womens junior coxed quadruple sculls event in the first ever Scottish Junior Inter-Regional Championship being held in conjunction with Saturday’s regatta.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 26th May 2009

Aberdeen North East Regatta - 9th and 10th May

Inverness Rowing Club had a significant number of crews competing at last weekend’s Aberdeen North East Regatta on the River Dee, achieving success in three events as well as being involved in a number of very close finishes.

In the variable weather conditions on Saturday, the Womens veteran double sculls crew of Hazel Smith and Katie Van Exan convincingly won both their semi-final and final races against crews representing Aberdeen Boat Club whilst in the final of the Womens novice double sculls, Van Exan combined with Alison Robertson to contest an extremely close race to miss out on the win by a mere 3 feet to a crew from Dundee University Boat Club.

Sunday saw fairer conditions which resulted in Inverness wins in Womens veteran coxed fours with Caroline Keith (bow), Katie Van Exan, Hazel Geddes, Hazel Smith (stroke) and Jonny Harvey (cox) recording a fine three length win over an Aberdeen Boat Club crew. Also posting a sound four length win over a crew from Aberdeen in Mens veteran double sculls was the Inverness crew of Alastair Duff and Tom Baker. Many other close finishes were recorded on Sunday by Inverness crews including one of the closest finishes of the day when the Mens veteran coxed four lost out by a mere 0.5 second to another Aberdeen Boat Club crew.

Next Saturday sees a small contingent of Inverness members taking part in a variety of veteran and senior events at the popular Clydesdale ARC regatta on the River Clyde at Glasgow Green.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 12nd May 2009

Strathclyde Park Regatta - 25th/26th April 2009

Inverness Rowing Club achieved considerable success in winning eight gold medals and many other good performances at the two day Strathclyde Park Regatta in Hamilton last weekend in variable weather conditions.

In the difficult windy conditions on Saturday, a number of fine performances were achieved by Inverness crews in various events. Tom Baker and Alastair Duff won gold in veteran double sculls and with Dave Rothwell, John Sharkey and well coxed by Shaun Hunter won veteran coxed fours. Rachael Wells sculled strongly to win gold in the Womens Junior Under 15 single sculls and was later joined by her clubmate Meghan Hunter and Catlin Horsburgh, Emma Brander and Emma McDonald from Castle Semple RC to record a convincing win in Womens Junior Under 14 coxed quadruple sculls ahead of a crew from Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association.

In the slightly calmer conditions on the Sunday, the Inverness junior squad members Rozy Shepherd (bow), Kirsty Guild, Rachael Wells, Meghan Hunter (stroke), and Susanne Standish-Hunter (cox) recorded a fine win by a mere 0.02 seconds over a crew from George Watsons College in the semi-final of the Womens Novice coxed quadruple sculls and won the final by two seconds ahead of a senior crew from Durham ARC. Also winning gold on Sunday were the Womens veteran coxed four of Caroline Keith (bow), Mandy Towrie, Hazel Geddes, Hazel Smith (stroke0 and Jonny Harvey (cox) who achieved a five second win over another crew from Durham ARC. Alastair Duff achieved his third gold of the weekend in Mens veteran single sculls whilst John Sharkey and Dave Rothwell each claimed their second golds in Mens veteran coxless pairs.

Other Inverness junior and senior members also achieved highly satisfactory performances over the two day regatta although just failing to get into gold medal positions, whilst two expatriate members now resident in Glasgow also achieved success in the regatta. Imogen Walsh sculled to gold in the Womens lightweight single sculls and was a member of the Clyde ARC crew which won the Womens coxless fours event on Saturday. Colin Sinclair, now at Strathclyde University, won Mens novice single sculls on Saturday and on Sunday won the Scottish Universities Championships mens second single sculls and stroked the Strathclyde crew to a nailbiting 0.06 second win in the Scottish Universities Championships mens second eights event.

The next main season regatta at which Inverness athletes will be competing will be the North East Regatta which takes place on the River Dee in Aberdeen on 9th/10th May.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 29th April 2009

MEMBERSHIPS are now due...

A reminder to all the Annual Memberships are now due, £115 SENIOR £55 STUDENT / (UNWAGED) £40 JUNIOR (U17)


If you have not renewed your membership by 1st May 2009, your membership will have deemed to have lapsed.

Report submitted by - Hazel Geddes - Treasurer, Inverness Rowing Club - 14th April 2009

Scottish Rowing Newsletter

Contributions for the second issue of the Scottish Rowing Newsletter are invited. All contributions, plus any appropriate photographs, will be most appreciated. Submission of details and photographs should be sent to Roy Sinclair (roy.sinclair8@btinternet.com)no later than Monday 6th April.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 29th March 2009

BUSY WEEKEND ON THE WATER

The Tideway Eights Head of the River Race took place on Saturday 21st March on the River Thames from Mortlake to Putney in fine, sunny conditions. An international crew representing Tideway Scullers wrested the first place away from last years winners Leander Club by a margin of 4 seconds whilst the top finishing Scottish crew from Glasgow RC completed the 4 ¼ mile course in fine style to finish in 36th place in an excellent time of 18 minutes 34.87 seconds. Edinburgh University BC recorded a time of 19 minutes 8.66 seconds to finish in 101st place followed by Glasgow University BC in 192nd place in a time of 19 minutes 38.98 seconds. Other Scottish crews to break the 20 minute mark were Aberdeen University BC in 19 minutes 45.85 seconds, Clydesdale ARC in 19 minutes 46.51 seconds, Strathclyde University BC in 19 minutes 46 98 seconds and Dundee University BC in 19 minutes 59.37 seconds.

Other Scots involved included two members of the Leander Club whose crews finished in 3rd and 9th place recording times of 17 minutes 45.35 seconds and 18 minutes 13.75 seconds respectively.

The following day saw another record entry of crews for the Vesta Veterans Head which took place in sunny conditions over the same stretch of water. A composite mixed veteran D/E crew containing lady members from the Inverness, Strathclyde Park and Sons of Thames clubs raced with the men of the Mladost Boat Club from Croatia producing an excellent result to win this event category in a time of 20 minutes 52.45 seconds and in doing so finished in 29th place overall in the entry of 182 crews. A mixed veteran D/E and a mens veteran D crew from Aberdeen Boat Club also took part in this event finishing in 23 minutes 20.24 seconds and 23 minutes 42.30 seconds respectively.

Nearer to home, the Scottish Schools Head took place on Saturday on the Dullater stretch of the Forth and Clyde Canal where crews from Aberdeen Schools, Castle Semple, George Heriots, George Watsons, Clydesdale and St Andrew clubs challenged for the various race categories in coxed fours and coxed quads. Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association (comprising pupils from Meldrum Academy, Harlaw Academy, Aberdeen Grammar School and Robert Gordon's College) were winners of the Peter Grieve Memorial Team Trophy as a result of their wins in four event categories. Clydesdale ARC (comprising pupils from St Thomas Aquinas, St. Aloysius College, Lourdes Secondary School, Rosshall Academy and Merrylee Primary School) won the Open Junior under 18 coxed fours, whilst George Watsons College RC won Open Junior under 15 coxed fours and George Heriots School RC won the Womens Junior under 15 coxed fours.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 25th March 2009

BUSY WEEKEND ON THE WATER

The Tideway Eights Head of the River Race will be held on Saturday 21st March on the River Thames from Mortlake to Putney with last years winning crew from Leander Club leading off the maximum entry of 420 crews at 11.15am.

Eleven eights from Scottish clubs will take part this year with entries from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, St. Andrews and Strathclyde Universities competing together with club entries from the Glasgow and Clydesdale Rowing Clubs. In the starting order, the highest placed Scots crew is Glasgow University starting at position 90 and at 243 followed by Glasgow Rowing Club at 137, Edinburgh University at 178 and 369, Aberdeen University at 184 and 420, Strathclyde University at 200 and 415, Clydesdale ARC at 277 and St Andrews University at 287.
Other Scots involved include two members of the Leander Club whose crews are due to start in positions 3 and 9 of the usual large national and international field.

The following day sees another record entry of 182 crews for the Vesta Veterans Head taking place over the same stretch of water with a start at 12 noon. A mens and a mixed crew from Aberdeen Boat Club will take part in this event along with a composite mixed crew containing lady members from the Inverness, Strathclyde Park and Sons of Thames clubs who will race with the men of the Maldost Boat Club from Croatia.

Nearer to home, the Scottish Schools Head takes place on Saturday on the Dullater stretch of the Forth and Clyde Canal where crews from Aberdeen Schools, Castle Semple, George Heriots, George Watsons, Clydesdale and St Andrew clubs will challenge for the various race categories in coxed fours and coxed quads.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 17th March 2009

Women’s Eights Head of the River Race

On Saturday 7th March, seven crews from Scotland took part in the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race on the Tideway in London. Raced on the River Thames from Mortlake to Putney in warm conditions with a slight wind which stiffened during the race, this was the largest field for the women's head ever with 291 crews racing over the 4 ¼ mile course.

Imogen Walsh from Inverness was in the stroke seat of the fastest Scottish crew which was the composite Clyde RC/Edinburgh University BC/Glasgow RC/Glasgow University BC crew, who covered the course in 19 minutes 28.24 seconds and finished in an outstanding 6th place from a start position of 200. The highest placed single club crew was Clydesdale ARC who finished in 33rd place and 5th of the Senior 3 crews. Almost holding their start position of 65, Edinburgh University BC (A) finished 68th, and won the Senior 4 pennant.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 8th March 2009

Macrae & Dick Eights and Small Boats Head + Scottish Rowing Long Distance Time Trial

A good entry of over 60 crews was received for the Macrae & Dick Eights and Small Boats Heads which took place in variable weather conditions on Saturday 21st February on the superb rowing waters of the Caledonian Canal in Inverness. Much excellent racing was witnessed over the 4.5 kilometre course in an exciting day of competition which included crews from all over Scotland and an enthusiastic contingent of three veteran eights crews from two separate Belfast clubs.

The Mens Open Eights was won by a Glasgow RC/Castle Semple RC crew in an excellent time of 15 minutes 11.0 seconds, just 6 seconds ahead of a crew from Aberdeen BC whilst the fastest time in Womens Open Eights was recorded by Strathclyde Park RC in 18 minutes 03.6 seconds.

Dundee University BC won both the Mens R2 and Mens Novice Eights whilst Aberdeen University BC won both the Mens and Womens R1 Eights. Aberdeen BC won the Womens R2 Eights whilst Belfast RC won a closely contested Mens Veteran Eights event ahead of crews from Belfast BC and Inverness RC. Fastest Womens Veteran Eight was the crew from Inverness RC.

Other winning crews are listed as follows:-

Men

R2 double sculls – Dundee University BC (Herbert)

Veteran double sculls – Belfast BC (Milligan)

R1 coxless pairs – Aberdeen BC (Stevenson)

R2 coxless pairs – St Andrew BC (Wilson)

Open single sculls – Clydesdale ARC (McConnell)

Novice single sculls – St Andrew BC (Wildenhain)

Veteran single sculls – Aberdeen BC (Mathieson)

Women

Open double sculls – Strathclyde Park RC (Connal)

R2 double sculls – St Andrew BC (Spitzer)

Veteran double sculls - St Andrew BC (Spitzer)

Open single sculls - Strathclyde Park RC (Limond)

Junior 18 single sculls – Strathclyde Park RC (Santoni)

Earlier in the day, the Scottish Rowing Long Distance Time Trial took place over the longer 5 kilometre course on the Caledonian Canal. Fastest man down the course was single sculler Alastair McConnell from Clydesdale ARC in a time of 19 minutes 29.8 seconds whilst his clubmate Kelly Limond recorded the fastest womens time of 21 minutes 9.2 seconds in the lightweight single sculls category. In the womens junior events, Strathclyde Park RC (Arnold) was the fastest double sculls crew in 21 minutes 59.8 seconds whilst Nithsdale RC (Findlay) emerged as the fastest single sculler with a time of 22 minutes 55.5 seconds



Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 22nd February 2009

Macrae & Dick Inverness Eights and Small Boats Head 2009

Essential Information for Competitors and SR Time Trialists

Firstly can we encourage competitors to arrive early, register early (don't all leave it to the last minute) we can't cope with many crews registering two minutes before they want to boat, and, especially Novice Crews, boat early - Remember there will be time penalties for those crews late to the start. – SR Time Trialists should also note the separate instructions issued by SR Team Manager Graeme Cunningham – including time trial registration from 7 - 8am

Trailer and Car Parking

Buses must use the Sports Centre car park, which is clearly signposted.
All cars not carrying small boats must be parked at the Rugby Club car park, turn left before crossing the canal. Those cars carrying small boats must park beyond the IRC Boathouse. Kindly ensure that no cars or trailers are parked in the turning area in front of the IRC boathouse where essential space is required for the PORTALOOS, REGISTRATION CARAVAN and REFRESHMENT MARQUEE

Trailers should be located as follows -

On the towpath to the North of Tomnahurich Swing Bridge (turn right after going over the bridge) – additional parking area for trailers to supplement areas defined below

Close to the Jacobite Cruises Office
ASRA/ AUBC / ABC
Three parking spaces must also be left on the immediate south side of the Jacobite Cruises office for the use of their staff

Close to IRC Boathouse (beside tow path before reaching boathouse)
Glasgow RC /Castle Semple RC / St. Andrew BC / Nithsdale RC

Beyond IRC Boathouse (beside tow path at turning space before locked gate)
Belfast RC & BC / Dundee UBC / LLRC/ SPRC and all car topped small boats

Registration

Race entry monies, bow numbers and back numbers will be dealt with at registration (the registration caravan beside the boathouse). Should Clubs wish to scratch crews, alter crew composition or make other permitted changes, then these will be dealt with at Regatta Control which will be at the caravan beside the boathouse. PLEASE CARRY OUT THESE TASKS AS SOON AS YOU CAN AFTER ARRIVAL. PLEASE HAVE THE CORRECT ENTRY MONEY IF AT ALL POSSIBLE (IF PAYING ON THE DAY) – THIS WILL HELP SPEED THINGS UP FOR ALL

Boating

As penalties will be applied for crews late to the start, please have respect for your fellow competitors and arrive at the start in time. It can take up to 45 minutes to row to the start.

Crews must ARRIVE upstream of the start 10 minutes PRIOR to division start time: 11:50 for division 1 start at 12:00 noon, 13:50 for division 2 start at 14:00.
Crews must be on their marshalling station or above the start 5 minutes before race start time. A 5 second penalty will be added for any minute thereafter.

First Division - Novice Crews must begin boating at 10:30am, Junior Crews at 10:50am, and Senior Crews at 11:00am. Remember to take sufficient warm and weatherproof clothing with you.

Second Division - Novice Crews must begin boating at 1:00pm, Junior Crews at 1:10pm, and Senior Crews at 1:15pm. Remember to take sufficient warm and weatherproof clothing with you.

Marshalling at start area

Eights will be required to spin under the control of the start marshalls and park their boats on the east bank of the canal facing downstream with the lowest numbered boat just above the start line which will be a distance from the timing line – see also attached diagram

Small boats will be required to park in a holding pattern under the control of a start marshall, close to the lock at Dochgarroch. The small boats flotilla will be instructed to move downstream to the start marshalling positions once the eights crews have started. Small boats will spin under the control of the start marshalls and park their boats on the east bank of the canal facing downstream with the lowest numbered boat just above the start line which will be a distance from the timing line – see also attached diagram

Wishing you all a successful weekend (and no time penalties )

Regatta Organising Committee, Inverness Rowing Club – February 2009



Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 19th February 2009

Inverness Success at the Head of the River Lagan in Belfast

Last Saturday 14th February, Inverness Rowing Club travelled to Northern Ireland to compete in the Head of the Lagan race organised by Belfast Rowing Club.

In the first division, the men's veteran coxless quad of John Sharkey
(stroke), Moritz Bauer, Jonny Harvey and Dave Rothwell (bow) steered a
good line on the twisty Lagan river. Their time of time of 13:27 over
the 2,700m course was the fastest time for a senior quad.

The men were joined by Hazel Smith, Caroline Keith and Katie Van Exan in
a mixed veteran eight in the second division and remained unbeaten,
recording the fastest time for a mixed eight of 19:13 over the longer
4,200m course. As a result of these strong performances, Inverness Rowing Club were awarded the Visitors' Pennant by the race organisers.

Next Saturday, the Inverness club host the Macrae & Dick Eights and Small Boats Head on the superb rowing waters of the Caledonian Canal. Crews from clubs throughout Scotland, three crews from Belfast and several crews from the home club will contest the various event categories in two divisions over a 4500 metre course.

Preceding these events will be a Scottish Rowing Long Distance Time Trial in which many athletes seeking selection for this July’s Home International Regatta will race over the longer 5 km course starting at 10am. The first division of the Head of the Canal event starts at 12 noon with the second division starting at 2pm.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 18th February 2009

Head of the River Lagan, Belfast

Inverness Rowing Club travel to Belfast this weekend to take part in the Head of the River Race on the River Lagan.

A mixed eights crew from Inverness comprising Dave Rothwell, John Sharkey, Moritz Bauer, Jonny Harvey, Hazel Smith, Katie Van Exan, Caroline Keith and a lady member of the host club in Belfast will be part of a large international contingent of crews who will race this testing course on the River Lagan on Saturday 14th February.



Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 12nd February 2009

Scottish Indoor Rowing Championships + Aberdeen Eights Head

On Sunday 1st February, a significant entry was received and many exciting races took place at the Scottish Indoor Rowing Championships which again were held at Heriot Watt University campus at Riccarton on the western outskirts of the Edinburgh.

Inverness was represented by an enthusiastic party of athletes from both Inverness Rowing Club and Inverness Royal Academy who achieved considerable success at these championships, returning north with a total of six medals.

Mother and daughter Carole and Rachael Wells performed well to achieve a full house of medals with gold for Carole in womens open event whilst Rachael collected silver and bronze for the girls under 15 event and the womens under 19 event respectively. Eilean Mackenzie also competed in the girls event and narrowly missed a medal position. In the girls under 14 event, Beth Dempster, Natalie Roberts and Sally Wiseman also performed exceptionally well in a strong field, just missing out on medal positions.

Academy pupil Corrin Mackenzie challenged strongly in the boys under 16 event and was rewarded with a fine bronze medal result. Thomas Barras, Daniel Mackenzie and Christopher Taylor recorded personal best times in the boys under 17 event which was a fine achievement for boys recently introduced to indoor rowing.

Both boys and girls groups challenged strongly in the exciting team boys and girls relay events achieving highly satisfactory bronze medal positions in each event.

The following weekend saw three Inverness crews travelling to Aberdeen on Sunday to take part in the Aberdeen Eights Head on the waters of the River Dee. Although favourable water conditions were confirmed on the previous day, a severe overnight frost generated ice flows on the Sunday morning cancelling the event just as the Inverness contingent arrived in Aberdeen following a difficult journey over snowbound roads. However, after savouring the delights of the famous Aberdeen steak pies, the party returned safely to Inverness through snowbound countryside bathed in brilliant sunshine.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 11st February 2009

Scottish Indoor Rowing Championships + Aberdeen Eights Head

On Sunday 1st February, a significant entry was received and many exciting races took place at the Scottish Indoor Rowing Championships which again were held at Heriot Watt University campus at Riccarton on the western outskirts of the Edinburgh.

Inverness was represented by an enthusiastic party of athletes from both Inverness Rowing Club and Inverness Royal Academy who achieved considerable success at these championships, returning north with a total of six medals.

Mother and daughter Carole and Rachael Wells performed well to achieve a full house of medals with gold for Carole in womens open event whilst Rachael collected silver and bronze for the girls under 15 event and the womens under 19 event respectively. Eilean Mackenzie also competed in the girls event and narrowly missed a medal position. In the girls under 14 event, Beth Dempster, Natalie Roberts and Sally Wiseman also performed exceptionally well in a strong field, just missing out on medal positions.

Academy pupil Corrin Mackenzie challenged strongly in the boys under 16 event and was rewarded with a fine bronze medal result. Thomas Barras, Daniel Mackenzie and Christopher Taylor recorded personal best times in the boys under 17 event which was a fine achievement for boys recently introduced to indoor rowing.

Both boys and girls groups challenged strongly in the exciting team boys and girls relay events achieving highly satisfactory bronze medal positions in each event.

The following weekend saw three Inverness crews travelling to Aberdeen on Sunday to take part in the Aberdeen Eights Head on the waters of the River Dee. Although favourable water conditions were confirmed on the previous day, a severe overnight frost generated ice flows on the Sunday morning cancelling the event just as the Inverness contingent arrived in Aberdeen following a difficult journey over snowbound roads. However, after savouring the delights a the famous Aberdeen steak pies, the party returned safely to Inverness through the snowbound contryside bathed in brilliant sunshine.


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 11st February 2009

SARA Racing Licences for 2009

2009 Racing Licences have now been received for the following members:-

Kenneth Andrews
Sarah Cameron
Caroline Keith
Andrew Johnston

Contact Roy Sinclair to uplift your racing licence

Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 29th January 2009

Scottish Indoor Rowing Championships

Next Sunday 1st February, the Scottish Indoor Rowing Championships take place at Heriot -Watt University at the Riccarton Campus on the western outskirts of Edinburgh.

A large entry has been received from male and female athletes of all ages representing schools, rowing and fitness clubs from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and the north of England. The competitors will challenge for medal positions in a wide range of individual, team and adaptive events.
In a long day of intense competition, the first event for the boys under 11 category starts at 10am with the final event for the mens team category starting just after 6pm.

Inverness will be represented by the Wells family and a number of students and teachers from Inverness Royal Academy who have been participating in indoor rowing sessions at school over the past few months


Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 29th January 2009

SARA Racing Licences for 2009

2009 Racing Licences have now been received for the following members:-

Maeve Lewis
Amanda Towrie
Tom Baker
Alastair Duff
Patrick V. Walsh
Ian Hunter
Susanne Standish-Hunter
Meghan Hunter
Shaun Hunter
Dave Rothwell
Moritz Bauer
Hazel Smith
Hazel Geddes
Sally E. A. Moore
Mary Clouston
Gary Hunt
Ken Sinclair
John Sharkey
Roy R. Sinclair
Katie Van Exan

Contact Roy Sinclair to uplift your racing licence




Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 22nd January 2009

Updates!

Hi Webmaster, any chance of you puting the new Duty Rota up on our web page please?

Also can you put the minutes from the Wash Up Meeting - Nov 08 & the December minutes.

Note to all club members is that we have now a new club Captain - DAVE ROTHWELL.

Also the fact that there is now some Clubtime activity going on at the weekends, come down and see for yourselves...

Finally, the next home Regatta is on Saturday 21st February 2009. Contact either Dave or Susanne or any member of the Committee if you available to help on this date.

Thank you

Hazel G

Report submitted by - Hazel Geddes - Treasurer, Inverness Rowing Club - 11st January 2009

RACING LICENCE APPLICATIONS 2009

Hi All

This posting was noted from the SARA Newspage today 1st January 2009:-

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Licences: Competitors are reminded that Competition Licence renewals are now due except for those who already have a 2009 card. Competitors entering a regatta or head are required to submit racing licence details AT TIME OF MAKING AN ENTRY and failure to do so will render the competitor liable to payment of a Day Ticket. All are reminded that the closing date for the first event in 2009 is 18th January so licence contacts in the clubs do not have much time to get organised if they intend entering this event.

Time to get your skates on if you have not already sent me your racing licence application for 2009 - the next batch of applications will be posted off on Tuesday 6th January.

Hear from you with the appropriate details and cheque made payable to SARA ASAP

Seniors (£35); Students (£25); Juniors (£18); Cadets (£8)

Kind regards

Roy

Subject: Re: 2009 SARA Racing Licence Applications - Inverness Rowing Club



Hi All

A reminder to those of you who have yet to submit your racing licence application to me.

My address is

Tordarroch
Belmaduthy
Munlochy
Ross-shire
IV8 8PF

Please do so ASAP if you have not already done so

Apologies and thanks to those who have already done so

Happy New Year to you all

Kind regards

Roy

Report submitted by - Roy Sinclair - Hon President, Inverness Rowing Club - 1st January 2009