Strathclyde Park rowers launch new boat

May 8 2008

STRATHCLYDE Park Rowing Club launched their new racing boat, American Beauty, during the first regatta of the summer season.

The club was able to buy the boat thanks to the generosity of local businessman Kenny Henderson, managing director and golf teaching professional of Bothwell Golf Academy, as well as fundraising efforts by club members.

Crew member and junior representative Andrew Barton said: “This is the first time the club has had a proper racing shell which can be used at international competitions.

“American Beauty is notably different from all our other boats in that it picks up speed faster and maintains the speed better.

“It puts us on a level playing field for the first time, and helps us to maximise our performance.”

Kenny Henderson commented: “Rowing is a minority sport which doesn’t always get the financial support or recognition it deserves.

“The club has achieved much success in recent years and I know that the purchase of American Beauty will help them build on their success.”

The club was successful at the regatta, with a fantastic array of wins, including: Gillian Connal (WR2 1x, WR1 2x), Fraser Quinn (MR2 2-, MR2 4x), Andrew Barton (MR2 2-, MR2 4x), Joseph Barton (MR2 4x), Fraser Scott (MR2 4x) and Natalie Irvine (WJu 18 4+, WR2 4x, WJu 18 4x, WR2 2-, WJu 18 2-).

Others who did well include: Janey Campbell ((WJu 18 4+), Rosie Young (WJu 18 4+, WR2 4x, WJu 18 4x, WR2 2-, WJu 18 2-), Carla Santoni (WJu18 1x, WJu 18 4+), Sarah Arnold (WR2 4x, WJu 18 4x), Graham Ord (OJu 13 1x, OJu14 4x+), Peter Byrne (OJu14 4x+), Sarah McNee (WJu 15 2x), Rachael Arnold (WJu 15 2x, WJu 18 4+ (cox)), Karen Barton (WVet 4x), Aillie Ord (WVet 4x, WVet 2x), Liz Davidson (WVet 4x, WVet 2x), Maureen McGarvey (WVet 4x), Tom Hewitt (MVet 2x), and Fiona Struthers (WR1 2x).

Club coach Peter Barton said: “This was a great opening regatta for the club, everyone raced well, and I’m particularly pleased for our new members, who enjoyed their first race.

“Conditions on Saturday were more challenging, however on Sunday the water was flat with just a slight wind, which is the park at its best.

“With the long winter training programme behind us the season picks up pace now, with the athletes aiming to continue their success when they return to the park for the Scottish Championships on June 14 and 15.”

Two junior athletes, Rosie Young and Janey Campbell, have received financial support from Strathendrick Rotary Club. Both attend Balfron High School.