Tyne ARC was the destination for round 3 of the Long Distance Series. Glorious conditions prevailed all day although a bit chilly at times.
Berwick had 4 double sculls and 1 single for the morning race of 4500m upstream with the tide.
Owen made his racing debut, being thrown straight into open doubles with Andrew. They raced hard and were the quickest Berwick boat home in 17.04. Followed by Chris and Robin (Mas D) who put in a solid performance to finish in 17.13 and winning the D/H handicap doubles. Hilary and Catherine (Hexham) were next winning W Mas C/E doubles in 18.03. Gordon and Ian S then finished in 19.23 also in Mas D/H doubles but had to concede the victory on this one to club mates Chris and Robin.
Ian B was the only Berwick single and was pleased to be back racing and with his performance finishing on 18.43.
After the lunch break Berwick took to the water in a coxed 4. Chris, Andrew, Robin with Owen now full of experience after the morning race! Very ably coxed by Evan (1st race for Evan).
Put in what can only be described as a heroic effort up the Tyne against the tide. It was extremely tough racing as Sunderland who started immediately behind never let go but were never making significant ground. At the line Sunderland finished on 19.23. With Berwick so very close on 19.26, 3 seconds separating the top 2 (band 2) crews after 4500m of tough racing with other crews in the division over a minute behind. An excellent first experience for both Owen and Evan.
Hilary and Catherine (Hexham) raced C/E doubles but despite having a solid race could not pull back the handicap, with Windermere taking the win.
Thanks to Chris for towing the trailer.
Off to Cambois next week where another new name will feature on the score sheet.