2022 marked Monmouth Rowing Club's best performance at the World Masters Rowing Regatta, held in Libourne, France 7th to 11th September.
In a week characterised by sunrise ergos, packed racing schedules, and zero-percent beer; MRC won seven golds in total, with an additional three in composite crews, with a number of close-run second, third and fourth places.
In the Victor Ludorum, Monmouth Rowing Club [the only Welsh club racing] was placed THIRD in the world overall.
The women's and men’s squads were placed in seventh and second! Top of the list of UK clubs for both squads and the club; not a bad turn out for the provincials!
4,365 entries, 713 clubs World Rowing Masters Regatta in Libourne (Bordeaux region) took place from Wednesday 7th to Sunday 11th September. Monmouth Rowing Club sent 12 men and 10 ladies to represent Monmouth and Wales. This event saw crews from both northern and southern hemisphere’s [including Argentina and New Zealand] competing on an 8 lane rowing lake.
A well organised event saw races starting every 3 minutes, providing plenty of spectacle!
11 races over the first afternoon for MRC, saw a the first gold for Mark and partner Tim in the D2x-; this despite an unscheduled stop off on the local beach as they proceeded to the start! This was supported by two second place finishes.
On day 2 a further 11 races. Former men's captain Kathryn won the first gold ever for a MRC women's rower, racing with 3 ladies from Bristol and cox Richard Summers in the WA4+; shortly after Stewart-Woods joined Andrew Barnett, Peter Kelsall and Nick Hooton to claim gold in the men's F4- [average age over 60].
Day 3 saw 2 men's crews achieve second place, with Mark claiming his third gold in his single.
The ladies F4+ of Louise, Mary, Kate, Liz and cox Kathryn powered to an excellent second place.
Monmouth achieved something of a super Saturday on day 4. First race up saw Andrew, Mark, Lenny and Tim win the D4x. A short time later Andrew, Mark, and Tim were joined by James, Colin, Simon, Peter, and Nick to post a winning time of 3mins 9seconds in winning their E8. Andrew, Nick, Colin and Mark were joined by cox Sheron, with them picking up the third gold of the day in the F4+. Not wanting to be left out, newly married men's captain Evan combined with Tim to win gold in their B2-.
With only 6 [!] medals to his name, Mark joined forces with Dave Byrne of Exeter RC to get his fourth of the day and seventh of the event.
Sunday was a more relaxed affair, with an emphasis on mixed gender boats. Four mixed 8's raced for MRC, with the E8+ posting the highest position of second, the D and F crews coming third. Tim joined with KSR Gent in a MxC 4x to claim yet another gold.
Each race contributed points to the Victor Ludorum for Club and squads. With a combined total of 568 points MRC were placed third [out of 713 clubs!]. The men's quad, with 422 points, were second, and the ladies 146 points put them in seventh overall.
Apart from some fantastic results, best results by MRC ever, the manner in which the members behaved was a credit to the Club. All members joined in - helping rig boats, carry blades, hold boats at the pontoon, cheered...
Thanks to all members who helped with this achievement, both in the weeks leading up to, and during, the event.
European Masters Championships in Munich 2023 ..............
Attendees:
Men's squad
Andrew Barnett, Mark Stewart-Woods, Simon Lee, Nick Hooton, Richard Summers, Colin Lewis, James Allison, Lenny Colling, Tim Male, Evan Whittal-Williams, Jamie Diserens, Peter Kelsall.
Ladies Squad
Liz Lewis, Kate Hooton, Louise Allison, Kathryn Diserens, Mary Miller, Dawn Brace, Jan Watkins, Sue Smith, Anna Williams, Sheron Dean-Lucas