2010 FUN ROW WINNERS
Under 16 Girls beat Firemen to take Fun Row Trophy! (see more pics on the photos page)
. Bexhill Rowing Club's annual fun row went ahead last Sunday with the blessings of a smooth sea and hardly any rain. Despite the chilly north wind 9 crews of little or no experience of rowing turned up to 'have a paddle'. The races were run over a 500 meter course roughly from the clock tower to the rowing club by the De La Warr Pavillion with three boats taking part in each race. The spirit of the day was echoed by some of the participants wearing fancy dress. A crew formed of ladies from the Rowing Social Club turned up as 'four men in a boat' complete with dark moustaches, whilst a mix of locals and there friends travelling from Tunbridge wells calling themselves 'The Oppo's' were in 'Shrek ears face paint and animal masks! All the crews were expertly shown the basics of rowing techniques by members of the Bexhill Rowing Club before their racing started and for added safety The Hastings Lifeguards were on the sea just in case. Other club members were on hand to help the crews into and out of their boats, as this required a brisk dip in the sea for all! Each crew had 2 races gaining points for finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd. With all the qualifying races completed the three crews with the most points lined up for the final. Hastings Fire Brigade, The Catsfield Oar Pullers and The Shrugs, ( a crew of four girls aged 13-16). From the start the 4 burly fireman who looked to be clear favourites to take the winners trophy took up a good stroke and swept into the lead. A vociferous crowd had gathered at the finish line and were cheering on the competitors, to their amazement they saw the firemen's lead diminishing. Some superb rowing had the young girls pass the firemen in the last third of the race to win by a length. Catsfields' crew coming in a few lengths behind. There were no hard feelings from the guys who admitted that skill had beaten brawn and the Hastings Fireman were gallent in their defeat. The girls were overjoyed and everyone retired to the award ceremony and drinks at the Rowing Social Club. Not only was this a great day for all the participants it also raised over £300 for the New Boat House Fund
