Bideford Reds christen the new boat ‘Joanne’

Bideford Amateur Rowing Club has completed the purchase of a new eights rowing boat named ‘Joanne’ in tribute to Joanne Wilkins, a former rower, coxswain, family member and friend to many current rowers and committee members.

Joanne’s family was in attendance for the special occasion, as her daughter Grace officially christened the boat.

Bideford Amateur Rowing Club said: “A momentous time for the club with the purchase of a new eights boat.

“The club would like to thank The Bideford Bridge Trust for their funding, as well as a donation from a committee member which helped the club purchase the boat from Janousek & Stampfli Racing Boats.”

There was also great news for Bideford in the South Coast Championship 2024, as the club wrote: “The final event of the season saw some of our crews travel to Netley in Southampton for the annual South Coast championships.

“The Reds had four crews qualified for three championship races, and despite the tough conditions and challenging rowing, everyone came away having had a great weekend and lots of fun!

“The junior championship crew finished in fourth place, after a strong finish. Crew: Ricky Syvret, Alex Rowland, Glyn Brown, Oscar Cavill, Grace Farrell (Cox).

“The junior-senior championship crew battled all the way down the course but were just pipped on the line to finish in fourth. Crew: Luis Wilkins, Mark Symons, Alex Rowland, Charlie Colwill, Grace Farrell (Cox)

“The final event of the day was the much-anticipated Senior championship race. Two crews raced for the Reds. The A crew finished in fourth, whilst the B crew finished in fifth. A Crew: Ross Bennett, Mark Symons, Luis Wilkins, Oscar Cavill, Grace Farrell (Cox) B Crew: Chris Thorne, Ricky Syvret, Alex Rowland, Charlie Colwill, and thank you to Megan from Coalporters for coxing!

“Thank you to Southampton Coalporters for allowing us to borrow a boat, and thank you to Mark for Towing the trailer. That brings racing to an end for this season, time for some well-earned rest!”

Picture from Graham Hobbs of Bideford