Island Rowing Weekend Returns As Ryde Hosts Landmark Championship Regatta

Hundreds of competitors and spectators are expected to descend on Appley Beach this weekend as Ryde Rowing Club hosts the fifth Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association Championship Regatta of the season.

The event, taking place on Sunday, May 31, follows Shanklin Rowing Club’s Sandown Championship Regatta the previous day, continuing the long-established Isle of Wight rowing weekend tradition.

This year marks the 49th anniversary of a Hants & Dorset ARA Championship Regatta being staged off Appley Beach.

The first event at Ryde was held in 1977 as part of the club’s centenary celebrations, following the success of a joint regatta introduced by Ryde and Shanklin rowing clubs at Yaverland in 1972.

What began as a one-off venue change evolved into a permanent fixture on the rowing calendar, with Ryde and Shanklin each hosting annual regattas from 1978 onwards.

The popularity of the Island events later contributed to the introduction of a third Hants & Dorset regatta organised by Newport Rowing Club.

Organisers say this year’s Ryde Regatta has attracted a slightly larger entry than last year, with 109 crews and scullers already confirmed and additional late entries expected.

Competitors will race over a 1,820-metre course stretching from Appley Beach towards Ryde Pier before turning around a buoy and returning to shore.

A packed programme of 19 races is scheduled to take place across just over four-and-a-half hours, with racing beginning at 10:00 due to tidal conditions.

Events will include open, women’s, junior, novice and masters competitions in coxed fours, coxless pairs and single sculls.

The regatta is sponsored by TLM Laser, with additional support from local businesses, club members and ferry operators Wightlink and IW Ferries.

Safety cover will once again be provided by Ryde Inshore Rescue and Wight First Aid.

Spectators are invited to attend the free event, with organisers recommending the sea wall by the Canoe Lake as one of the best viewing points.