The first of three events in the Bewl Bridge Rowing Club’s virtual Regatta series has taken place.

Clubs across the south battled against each other in a 1,000m regatta.

The first event, held at the end of April, attracted over 300 competitors from 19 clubs including many from Kent.

Canterbury Pilgrims, Cranbrook School, BC Alumni, Gravesend RC, Maidstone Invicta and the Medway Towns Rowing Club were all part of the competition, run by the Bewl Bridge RC.

Many athletes wore their club kit, combined with rainbow colours, in support of the NHS and racing took place between 8am and 12pm on the day so families taking part could share time on the rowing machine.

Bewl Bridge secretary Rowena Suthers said: “The intention of the regatta was to combine a sense of fun and conviviality with competitiveness.

“The event produced some really excellent race times and personal best achievements across all age categories (juniors, seniors and masters) resulting in everyone enjoying a fantastic experience.

“The community spirit was resumed on the Sunday evening with a post row Zoom chat where competitors could discuss their experiences, types of rowing machines used and most importantly, race times.

“Like many rowing clubs up and down the country, where the sport is very community focused and where members and families are used to spending time together both on and off the water, it is these events that bring everyone together during these challenging times and this event included a tremendous turnout from clubs not only in the Thames South East region but also from further afield.”

Angus Bogle, captain of Bewl Bridge RC, said, “It was great to have so many competitors from clubs around the region, and a really good way to bring our club and the wider rowing community together in a fun but competitive spirit whilst on the water activity is off limits."

Fastest time overall time was Callum Sullivan, an under-23 rower from Globe RC, in a time of 2.58.0 mins.

BBRC rower Keyan O'Donnell, who is part of the World Class Start Programme, won the Junior 17 Single in a time of 3.01.3 min.

Ninety-five BBRC members took part with 30 wins.

Maidstone Invicta’s Harry Salmon was Masters F Double Winner with Clive Harlow in a time 3.35.9 mins.

The second event takes place on Saturday, May 23

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