Hamble River Raid 2022
Published 22:18 on 23 May 2022
On the 14th of May rowers from Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club took our Cornish Pilot Gig, Nerthek, to compete in the Hamble River Raid. This event is for human powered craft ranging from outrigger canoes to stand up paddle boards and takes in a course of approximately 7 miles starting at Hamble Quay, heading upriver with the return leg down river. There are a few buoyed turns and a staggered start with faster craft setting off first. Larger rowing craft are set off at 30 second intervals. Owing to illness and unavailability we ended up with a bit of a scratch crew and borrowed a rower from Langstone (thanks Kev) .
The race itself; as cox and with a relatively unpractised crew I was just intending for us to get round, keep in time and have some fun. However, the red mist descended, and our crew rowed their hearts out! We had an amazing day, finished 6th in our class with a time of 47m08s. As faster boats caught up with us we had an exciting return leg with the finish being very photogenic and most Cornish gigs only a few boat lengths apart. It was a beautiful day with the tides working for us which helped with good times for all boats.
Next weekend we attempt the Cockleshell Challenge to be hosted by Eastney Cruising Association. As an open sea row this will be a feat of endurance for those taking part!
As a reminder all MRSC members are welcome to have a try out on the Gig. Just look out for 'Open Rowing/Training' sessions in the club calendar and book yourself a taster row. We are always looking for new rowers. If you have any queries please contact myself.
Stuart Winter-Rimmer (Rowing Coordinator)
