Long Distance Sculling Series off to a bright start

Glorious autumn sunshine welcomed 120 competing crews to Cambois Rowing Club on the River Wansbeck on October 1st for the first of 6 rounds of the Long Distance Sculling Series. There were wins over the 3350 metre time trial course for Durham ARC crews in the J17 and Women’s Masters D coxless quads and for Andy Jaggard in Masters F and Joyce Collett in Women’s Masters G single sculls.

The Series has been very popular in recent years with scullers from all clubs in the Northern region, and this year is no exception. Organised by the Northern Rowing Council a round is staged each Saturday during October at Wansbeck, Tees, Berwick, Tyne and South Hylton, with the final round taking place at Durham on November 5th. Courses range in distance from 1800 metres to 5000 metres.

Last week’s event at Tees produced another win for Joyce in her Masters single and for the Women’s quad with a different line-up this time competing as Masters C, as well as for Kim Forster and David Muse in the Mixed IM3 double.

By entering several events members can gain points for their club which count towards Victor Ludorum awards for Juniors, Seniors and Masters which are presented at the end of the Series.

In addition to the Long Distance Sculling races several clubs stage a Small Boats Head on the same day, providing another opportunity to race over the same course in a different crew and this time including sweep-oar options.

The J15 girls entered two coxed quads for the Wansbeck Small Boats Head and finished in first and second places. There were wins in the Tees Small Boats Head for Clare Woodward in the Women’s Masters D single scull and for the Masters D double of John Lyons and Richard Court.

Further details can be found on the Northern Rowing website.