Torridge rowing teams pilot their way to North Devon Regatta success
North Devon watersports flourish in the Torridge and Appledore Regatta
It was a wonderful weekend on the water for Torridge Pilot Gig Club, racing their hearts out in the joint regatta hosted by the Pilot Gig Clubs of Torridge and Appledore.
The clubs in attendance included Clovelly, Ilfracombe, Avon Corinthians, Bude, Clevedon, Harbor, Torridge and Appledore, with the Appledore team taking the crown as overall winners.
The Torridge Ladies B team, comprising Kelly Waldon, Lou Davie, Harriet Barber, Katy Pyatt, Pat Dymond, Alyx Young, and coxed by Richard Everitt, raced a strong and powerful race to finish first in the B Race.
Sunday was another busy racing day in Appledore with events for the Juniors and Masters. Torridge Men finished third in the Open Final, receiving trophies artfully constructed by Appledore copper craftsman Gordon Driscoll.
A mixed crew of ages and abilities, comprising Sara Randall, Tamara Murphy, Che Plant ,Mike Yeo, Adrian O’Sullivan, Susie O’Kelly and coxed by Angie Whitaker, raced in the Bideford Water Festival from Bideford Old Bridge to the New Bridge, and back again, in very challenging conditions. The crew finished third and were still smiling at the end.
Ken Hind from the Water Festival said to the Torridge Club: “The gig race was a great success and with our help, the event raised over £13,000, which will be donated to local organisations and charities.”