RACING in superb conditions across two divisions on the River Medina, 20 crews from the Island's three principal rowing clubs competed against the clock in the recent Isle of Wight Forum Time Trial.

In Division 1, raced over 3.7km, the fastest crew was the Newport Rowing Club eight, in 15mins 34secs — a remarkable feat considering the crew comprised juniors, masters, men and women, including the eldest member of the club, Chris Mullin, aged 80, and the youngest, Boris Hare, 15.

Over a shorter course of 1,900m, Shanklin-Sandown’s Fred Giemza-Pipe and Carter Horrix, in the J18 2x, stormed to the fastest time of 6.50 in Division 2.

To compare performances, the central timer identified crews giving percentage gold medal times, when all variables were considered.

Carter Horrix, in the 1x, and the SSRC junior ladies' four of Abi Swinscoe, sisters Frances and Beth Katirewa and Esme Walters, with Jane Bailey (cox), were Division 1's top performers, with the siblings also combining in the pairs in Division 2, to gain an excellent percentage, as did Paddy Kearney, of Ryde Rowing Club in the 1x.

  • Ryde Rowing Club will continue to be sponsored by Wightlink, until December this year. The cross-Solent operator provides help with transport to mainland competitions — particularly useful to the success of its expanding junior section. The ferry firm and the sports club have been in partnership since 1987.