I think Stockton has a monsoon season and it usually coincides with any rowing events. After the glorious sunshine of 2012 it reverted to type and started off with very heavy rain in the morning.
Racing in divisions, anyone unlucky enough to have events in division 1 were guaranteed to stay wet for the rest of the day. Gav and Ethan got through three rounds and finished 3rd in their double. The highlights were Andie in her single and Nats and Kennedy in the double. They both rowed well in their semi-finals, saving energy knowing the top two would go through and then blasted the final. Great wins !
The rain started to ease up around lunchtime and the conditions were very nice for rowing, flat water and light breeze. Craig had a productive afternoon, winning his two straight finals in the Masters single and then the IM1 quad. Paul and Julian signed off to go to the Masters Championships at Nottingham with a comfortable win in the double.
The twins had two decent outings in a composite quad with Chester-Le-Street, then coming a creditable second in the double. All valuable experience.
The J15 quad had a fantastic race against their old rivals from Tyne. The boys were about quarter of a length up at the Infinity bridge. Both crews lifted the rate and pushed for the finish, neck and neck. Across the line it was too close to call. We held our breaths for the result, but it came as a win for Tyne by 2 feet.
Rower(s) of the day : I've picked two crews today. Both of whom showed exactly how to race regattas, by saving energy and using it when it counts in the final. After Durham's capsize in the single Andie Riches, and in only their second race together Natalie Dixon and Kennedy Tait. Well done girls !
photos from today