[ad_1]
AFTER being postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions last year, the popular Stratford Boat Club Boxing Day Scratch regatta makes a welcome return on Sunday.
The event is an integral part of the yacht club and city calendar, allowing athletes to blow the Christmas excess indulgence, have some fun and firmly aim for serious training for the 2022 campaign.
More than 40 athletes from the club traditionally brave the cold and wet to compete in the regatta, competing as a coxed foursome on a short sprint course from the ferry to the club grounds on the town’s stretch of the River Avon.
The crews are made up of members of mixed ages and abilities among masters, seniors, off-peak members and juniors (J16 and over).
President Dawson Curnock said: “We choose club crews from the names entered in a draw based on gender, age and ability so that all crews are more or less equal, ranging from members of the junior team to masters. “
To ensure fair play and safety, the starters, officials, observers and the safety throw will all be in place while the crowds can watch and cheer from the Recreation Ground, Royal Shakespeare Terrace, Bancroft Gardens and the tram bridge.
“The training schedule will be back in the right place the first weekend after New Years,†said Yacht Club President Paul Stanton.
“2022 is going to be a great season for Stratford in all categories and we are aiming for gold at the regional heads and at next year’s regattas. “
Stratford BC recently wrapped up the 2021 season, with teams continuing their regular outings until the Christmas break
Junior Coordinator Steve Wellstead said: “December is a tough month for training, with many junior athletes taking important mock exams and the weather often limits us to indoor and floor training.
“Finally, all the teams continuing their training until December are setting the tone for an excellent 2022 season.”
The Boxing Day Scratch Regatta starts at 10 a.m.
[ad_2]
