Saturday 17th May saw four Masters crews heading to Stockton-on-Tees for the regatta, four-lane fully buoyed racing over an 850m course.
With the first two doubles on the water before 08:30 it was a very early start from Hexham; James and Michael were off first in the Op MasD 2x, facing two younger crews from Tees and Lambton, the latter having won at Durham the previous week. In the end, the men were able to get a great start, maintain their 3 seconds handicap and stay three lengths clear for the course – their first win in the double! 🥇
Rob and John then picked up the baton, taking their Op MasH/I 2x (now christened the ‘Vintage Doubles’ by the commentator!) into battle against a brace of Tees crews… including the infamous Ralph Pickles crew, who sportingly gave up their handicap to make for a better competition 🙂 Rob and John worked hard over the course, staying in touch to finish a valiant second to the speedy Tees double.
Suzanne and James were next in the Mx MasB/D 2x, getting a great start to pull away from Berwick while Hollingworth Lake waited out their handicap. The Hexham double worked hard to maintain their lead until the last 100m where the younger Hollingworth Lake crew finally overhauled them and push our crew into a close second slot.
Finally, Gill, Alison, Pam and Sue in the W MasF/G 4x- had a great race with a good start. With a consistent pace, no lane crossing and their good blade skills noted by the commentator, they came in 4th behind three very experienced crews and were much improved since their Strathclyde outing.
All in all, a great day of racing, many thanks to Tees Rowing Club for their hospitality and to Pam and Michael for towing
