First Trophy for Tenby Rowers

On Sunday, July 29, Surflink's Tenby Sea Rowing Club sent a young team to participate in the annual Dinas Head Challenge. Seventeen crews from across Wales registered for this non-league event, including one Cornish Gig, three Yoles, and 13 Celtic Longboats. After the recent long spell of harsh weather, the participants welcomed the calm and sunny conditions for this demanding eight- mile course. Due to the absence of coxswain Matt Tebbutt and oarsman Tommy D'Ortez, Tenby Reggae Boys had to reshuffle their men's crew. Tim Deere-Jones took control of their Blisters Longboat as coxswain, Martin McDonald moved into the stroke seat, Jon Miller moved into third, Robyn Knibb made her debut in second, while Clarke Williams remained in the bow seat. The Dinas Head Challenge is one of the few timed races of the rowing calendar in which each boat starts individually at 30-second intervals. This allows everyone to make a clean start without clashing oars, but it deprives the tail-enders of a real match-racing atmosphere. The Tenby crew were disappointed to be scheduled (yet again) last on the starting line-up, but nevertheless, as the horn blew, they got straight down to business. The nervous adrenaline soon kicked in and Tim immediately settled his crew into a rate of 32 strokes per minute, which they maintained consistently throughout most of the race. The sea was relatively calm during the first leg from Goodwick to Dinas Head which helped the youth to row efficiently with good technique and discipline. After 30 minutes of steady rowing, they engaged the dog-leg turn around Dinas Head. At this point, the swell had increased significantly and the crew faced some light, but challenging crosswinds. The stroke rate naturally lowered to around 28-30 per minute as the rowers had to negotiate the catch with more accuracy and apply more power to the drive. Tim wisely steered the longboat through the deluge keeping roughly 50 metres from the face of Dinas Head, enabling his crew to pass a Cornish Gig which chose a much wider, and therefore, more difficult route. Fifteen minutes later the turn was complete and the Tenby crew found themselves in calmer water, with two Celtic Longboats within passing range. With roughly five miles behind them, they increased the rate and strength of their stroke for the final leg and soon overtook the two unknown Longboats, as well as a double Yole. Over the final 100 strokes, Tim inspired the youth to summon every ounce of strength they had left for a sprint finish. They were welcomed at the finishing line in Newport by a cheering crowd led by fellow Tenby rowers Olwyn Pritchard and Frank Miller. Despite aching muscles, notorious blisters, and unquenchable thirsts, the rowers agreed that they enjoyed every single stroke of this unforgiving endurance test. The Tenby crew completed the race in a time of one hour nine minutes and 11 seconds, which the race official described as 'a very respectable time' from the youngest team present. They finished 11th overall and third in the men's category, which earned them their first trophy of the season and a small but much appreciated prize of £10. The team wish to express their gratitude to the organisers and safety marshals of the event; to Surflink for providing the Longboat and oars, to ESS (main club sponsor), and to all club sponsors. Special thanks also to Tim for his coxing expertise and for towing the boat to Goodwick, to Robyn for an impressive performance in her toughest race so far - she is a real asset to the club, to Olwyn for her support and for driving to the finish line, and to Frank for his support and for towing the boat back home. Surflink's Tenby Sea Rowing Club are now focusing upon the next league race in Aberaeron on Sunday, August 19, and are also in the process of organising their trip to London for the annual Themes Great River Race on Saturday, September 8. Just one more thing! If you're interested in becoming an oarsman or coxswain, join the club on the South Beach, Tenby, at one of the following training sessions - Tuesday and Thursday at 6 pm or Sunday at 10 am. For further information, contact club chairman, Tim Deere-Jones, on (01834) 871011.