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Head of the Dart 2008
The event was held on the river Dart over a 10-mile course running up stream from Dartmouth to Totnes. The day presented typical English weather with several seasons rolled into a single day. The 42 crews from all over the South West Region experienced strong winds, rain, hail storms, and bright sunshine. The field included fine water single sculls, double sculls, fours, and eights of various classes. This year for added interest the organisers involved sea boats and received entries in this class predominantly from Plymouth, Torridge, and Exmouth with the inclusion of sea going doubles, coxed fours, and gigs. Exmouth sent a strong team, and as is common these days, they represented the town in fine fashion with success in a number of disciplines. Exmouths first noticeable victory came from its experienced Mens Senior C Coxed four fine boat crew of Sam Malloy, Rob Williams, Chris Long, Jack Pearce, and Ed Pearce who put in a powerful performance to win in a time of 1.03.37. Exmouths newcomer Marcus Bowyer, this being the start of only his second season of competitive rowing came in a very creditable second in an experienced field of Mens Senior C Single scullers, in a time of 1.18.21 It was also Exmouths day in the sea boat section with the crew of Mark Lees, Pete Bradshaw, Mike Mullholand, Graham Hurley, and Les Norcliffe, recording the fastest time of the day in there coxed four boat of 1.21.08. In the mixed sea doubles Exmouths pairing of Louise and Robert Kathro cam in a close second in 1.22.31 loosing out to a Plymouth crew by only 14 seconds. Overall it was a great day of competition for all participants and waiting spectators at Totnes, and after the event came the social aspect of the sport, and the presentation made by the mayor of Totnes.
- Written by Les Norcliffe -
