Saints are crowned double Scottish Champions!
Last weekend, we headed to Strathclyde Park for the annual Scottish Championships Regatta. It was a fantastic three days of racing, and we added even more club records to our 2018-19 collection. For the first time in 57 years, we were crowned Scottish Champions in the M2- and W4+. The event provided the ideal opportunity to test run crews and race plans before Henley Women’s Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta.
The Friday was reserved for time trials for our championship crews seeking selection for the Scottish Rowing team. Several strong performances placed our crews in the A and B finals on the Saturday:
WC 2- (Kirstin and Lydia) : 3rd in the A final
OC 2- (Oscar and Henry): 1st in the A final
WNC 1x (Ailsa) : 1st in the A final
WNC 1x (Emily) : 2nd in the A final
WC 4+ (Morgan, Skye, Lydia, Kirstin and Holly (cox)) :1st in the A final
OJ18 2- (Aidan and Robert (St Andrew Boat Club)) : 2nd in the B final
OC Lwt 1x (George) 3rd in the D final
On Sunday we picked up more medals and saw impressive performances in the following events:
WCN 4+ (Annie, Kirstin, Daisy, Maddie and Holly (cox)): 5th in the A final
WC 4- (Morgan, Skye, Lydia and Kirstin): 3rd in the A final
OC 2x (George and Aidan) : 7th in A final
WNC 2x (Ailsa and Emily) : 1st in A final
Our successes this weekend have placed a group of our athletes in a strong position for Scotland selection. As another record breaking appearance, our success at the Scottish Championships proves the development and performance of St Andrews on a national level. We look to further develop our top athletes and crews, and to ready them for GB selection as well as expand our programme to cater for more athletes and allow more Saints to row at University.
As always, our successes this weekend are the culmination of efforts from a very large group of individuals, and not just the athletes in the boats. From their fellow squad members, to supporting parents and donors, as well as Saints Sport and the University, we are continually grateful to all those who continue to dedicate time, effort and money to develop our Club and contribute to the story. In particular, our new Director of Rowing, Jordan Stanley, appointed in February, has overseen a record-breaking season so far and his knowledge and leadership is a true asset to the Club, allowing us to forecast an even brighter future for Saints rowers.
We require just under £8,000 to reach our major fundraising campaign by Henley, please follow this link to give any amount, no matter what size, to solidify the Club’s success and allow us to become a sustainable, highly competitive performance programme within the UK and further afield.
Well done to everyone involved this weekend, now back to the loch to continue our Henley preparation!
