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Triangle 8k Offshore
Saturday 26th September saw crews arriving at Exmouth from rowing clubs far and a field to take part in Exmouth Rowing Clubs Offshore Rowing Regatta. Competitors came from Loughborough, Southampton, Teignmouth (Teign Scullers)Torquay, Plymouth, and of course Exmouth.
The 8 kilometre course was laid out from the start line in the vicinity of harbour view café leading out of the marked channel to Fairway Buoy turning west to Langstone Point then north back to Exmouth, rounding 10buoy into the finish line.
The weather played its part admirably but yet again not to forecast. With light winds and predominantly overcast skies, temperatures remained comfortably cool for competitors. Unfortunately the calmness of the weather also produced flat calm water conditions for rowers that were hoping to ride some waves. However all events were launched and all competitors thoroughly enjoyed there visit to Exmouth.
First to launch were the ladies events. In the Quads the Southampton crew of Hollie Durman, Julia Hopson, Sarah Stafford, Jodie Bance, and cox Jake Frith took the honours in a time of 38.53. The Torquay pairing of Kerstine Gardner and Polly Eldridge in a time of 39.22 dominated the pair’s event.
The men’s events produced a tense finish for the quads with the crew of Torquay and two from Exmouth engaged in close competition to reach the final turn first. Unfortunately the two Exmouth crews became entangled allowing the Torquay crew of Chris Akers, Jamie Dawe, Nick Gagg, Maurice Dunn and cox Katie Cudmore through to take the win in 34.48. Teign Scullers, Adam Livett and Nic Bourne took the men’s double event in 36.57
To expand the competition base, and in support of the clubs ethic of providing rowing for all in the community, Masters events were also held, being open to rowers over 40yrs of age. Unfortunately only one ladies crew entered but were happy to row the course with the men. The event was won by the Loughborough men’s crew of Shane Frear, Keith Hudson, Nick Maker, Andy Martin, coxed by Nicola Cheesman in a time of 36.20. All crossed the line with smiles on their faces.
To finish the day a mixed event was launched, always considered a serious fun event, and often involving crews made up on the day from different clubs, this saw the largest launch of the day The quad event was won by the all Exmouth crew of Sam Malloy, Chris Long, Olivia Barnard, Kim Tapper, coxed by Ed Pearce. They took the line in 37.56. Torquay’s Polly Eldridge and Jamie Dawe won the double event in 37.06.
Needless to say, the event involved input from many club personnel to make the event the success it was. But the club would also like to thank the outside support it received from Paul Angel (Safety Boat) Ian Keith (Safety Boat) Ski Club (Loan of Marker) and the Coast Watch team who’s presence makes the Exmouth venue one of the safest around. RNLI for the launching of the inshore boat on a training run at the start of events, always a reassuring sight. Finally Tom Hurley (Devondigital) who provided all photo cover for the event, the full range of which can be viewed via his web site.
