Shanklin Rower Bass Andre Wins European Gold In Turkey

(c) World Rowing

Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club’s Bass Andre has claimed Gold for Great Britain at the European Offshore Championships in Turkey.

The offshore racing event took place over a 6km course at Manavgat Beach in Antalya, which also hosted the European Beach Sprints Championships.

Competing for the first time internationally, Andre made a blistering start, taking an early lead and dominating the field throughout the race.

By the finish, the SSRC athlete had pulled more than a minute ahead of fellow Brit Hewison, with the rest of the competitors trailing further behind.

Sprinting up the beach to claim Gold, Andre described the moment as “surreal.”

“I couldn’t quite believe it – it was surreal out there,” Bass said.

Club Captain Garry Walters praised the achievement:

“The whole of Shanklin RC could not be more proud. Ten years ago, Bass joined the club while still at school, having first tried the sport through indoor rowing.

"They’ve achieved so much since then, overcoming injury and setbacks along the way.

"Following a sensational season, to become European champion is the absolute icing on the cake.”

Andre will now return to the Isle of Wight to continue training ahead of representing England at the Commonwealth Beach Sprints Championships in Barbados this November.