Top rower honoured with new boat name

A large crowd gathered by the temporary boat containers outside the Bexhill Rowing Social Club on Saturday to watch the launch of the new boat.

Club spokesman Tony Page said: “It was a very special occasion for Mark Mitchell as he was asked to perform the unveiling of the name on the new Single Scull craft.

“As a tribute to his 10 successive Championship seasons the club decided to name the boat H.I.S TEN .

“The name also refers to the three other very special people in Marks life his daughters, Hannah and Izzy and wife Sally.

“After club President Gerald Matthews welcomed everyone, he invited Mark completely as a surprise to take on the ceremonial task.

“After taking off the flag to reveal the name, Mark was obviously quite flattered by the occasion, told everyone that the name was so very apt as the three people who have helped him achieve such a high standard in the rowing world are all recognised on this new boat.

“To ongoing cheers he then proceeded down to the sea where he rowed the vessel on its inaugural run on a perfect day for coastal rowing.”

Another boat launch was held on Sunday as a crew of Nick McCorry, Phil McCorry, Jack Page and Ashley Cahill and cox Alex Pepper took to the water in a river quad named The Waterfront, named after the beach front club which paid for it.

This boat will be used by younger rowers as the club partipates in more river regattas. The club would like to thank Waterfront owners Paul and Jackie Hamilton for raising the funds to purchase the new craft.

• Anyone interested in joining Bexhilll Rowing Club can go to bexhillrowingclub.com for details.

PICTURED: Mark with Sally, Hannah and Izzy