Hastings Rowing Club enjoys strong start to the season at Dover’s Viking Shield Regatta
Hastings Rowing Club made an impressive start to the new racing season with a series of strong performances at the annual Viking Shield Regatta in Dover, held in glorious sunshine and a vibrant coastal atmosphere. Crews from across the club showed determination and teamwork, securing multiple podium finishes and setting a positive tone for the months ahead.
Among the standout results, J. Webb delivered an excellent performance to take second place in the Open Novice Sculls, while C. Ashcroft secured third place in the Women’s Novice Sculls. In the Open Senior Pairs, J. Webb and R. Rebek combined effectively to claim a well-earned third place finish.
The club fielded a number of competitive crews throughout the day. In the Women’s Novice Fours, I. Vysniauskaite, A. Loweth, H. Price and K. Webb, coxed by V. Kidd, placed eighth, while F. Soopraya, C. Ashcroft, R. Dyer and V. Clarke, coxed by C. Chatfield, finished ninth in a strong field. In the Women’s Masters Fours 40+ event, C. Lucent, V. Clarke, F. Soopraya and S. Hulson, coxed again by V. Kidd, produced a solid row to finish fourth. R. Rebek also competed in the Open Junior Sculls, finishing ninth.
Beyond the results, the regatta was a celebration of teamwork and club spirit, both on and off the water. The event marked an important early-season outing, giving crews valuable racing experience and confidence moving forward.
The club extends its sincere thanks to the 24th Hastings Scouts for generously providing the minibus, ensuring that both athletes and equipment could travel to the event smoothly. Appreciation is also due to Regatta Secretary Colin Chatfield, Captain Vicky Kidd and Vice Captain Kim Webb for their hard work in organising the day, as well as to Paul Smith for capturing the event through photography.
Support from club members and spectators on the beach added to the atmosphere, helping to create a memorable and successful day for Hastings Rowing Club. With such a promising start, the club now looks ahead with confidence to the rest of the racing season.