Success for Masters Double Scull at Lancaster

Club members Chris Rycroft and Paul Campbell attended the City of Lancaster Regatta on Sunday 21st May. As the only representatives from Vics, the host club, Lancaster John O’Gaunt, kindly allowed one of their doubles to be borrowed. Entries had been secured for both the masters and open races in the morning and afternoon divisions respectively.

The masters race was a straight final against a Masters B crew from the host club. Although there was a 4 second handicap, a poor start by the Vics crew allowed the opposition to gain valuable ground. Up to 250m, there was a slight overlap, with the Vics crew in the lead by just over a length. From half way, aided by some efficient steering, the lead was pushed out to a length and a half, securing a win in the priority race.

The open division was a group of 4. As racing was limited to 2 lanes, pairs were drawn with the winners from the heats going though to the ‘A’ final and the losers to the ‘B’ final. The opposition (and eventual winners) in the heats were from Lancaster Royal Grammar school, who from the start forged a lead, opening to a couple of lengths at the bell. The ‘B’ final was more tightly contested, with another crew from Lancaster Royal Grammar school again winning by just over a length.

Overall, a very good win and more race experience gained.