CONSTRUCTED from the mould of a boat originally designed and built on the Isle of Wight, Ryde Rowing Club launched and named its latest vessel. 

The recent event, held at the club's Appley Park clubhouse, featured a new coastal coxed four (or quad) boat, built by AB Composites, Cowes.

Following on from the successful Coastal Four Boat building project, started by the Wightlink-sponsored club in 2019, it is the sixth boat to be produced from the Ryde Rowing Club-owned mould.

The mould is of a boat designed and built on the Island, by Islanders.

This version is an in-line boat, so it can be sweep-oared or sculled, so is therefore ideal for juniors — and makes the boat far more versatile. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Ryde Rowing Club name their new quad boat 'Darrell', after long-serving member Darrell Reeve, who was asked to officially name it, accompanied by club president, Steve Cook.Ryde Rowing Club name their new quad boat 'Darrell', after long-serving member Darrell Reeve, who was asked to officially name it, accompanied by club president, Steve Cook. (Image: Ryde Rowing Club)

It is the third in-line four/quad produced. 

Of the six boats produced from the mould, two remain at Ryde, two went to Southampton Coalporters Rowing Club and one each to Southsea and Christchurch rowing clubs.

The new boat was named Darrell, following the club tradition of giving new coastal fours female names.

It was launched by the club secretary, Darrell Reeve, who the boat was named after, in recognition of her long service to the club.

In getting the project off the ground, the club received a cash boost from several former and existing club members, as well as the Isle of Wight Sports Foundation, Wight Aid, The Rowing Foundation and Southern Water.