On Saturday June 23rd the RBAI Rowing Club met for the final time this season for celebrations and ceremony in the 2023 RBAI At Home Regatta. The annual tradition of the parent-son races and the inter-house single sculling competition was held, alongside a barbeque and other festivities for the club and family members. We were very fortunate to have fantastic summer weather with clear skies and 25 degree heat, a rare occasion but a more than welcome one.
The day started with pairs of scullers competing for house points, at the end of just over an hour of competitive races the results were as follows: 1st Larmour; Tied 2nd Stevenon and Kelvin; 4th Pirrie; 5th Jones; 6th Dill. A fantastic performance from all competitors made for some very close races that were exciting for all spectators to enjoy from the Lagan Scullers Club balcony. Each race was worth five house points and were hotly contested on the water.
Following the house races the jovial parent-son races were held in coxed fours in the format of a time-trial. With plenty of laughter and sportsmanship the races continued for just over an hour and by all accounts were very enjoyable. However, it wouldn’t be a rowing race without some healthy competitive spirit and at the end of the day the races were decided by 0.8 seconds. A massive congratulations for all of those who got involved, particularly those new to the sport.
Following the parent-son races, the boys showed their appreciation for the coaches who keep the Rowing Club running, organising and presenting gifts alongside some kind words from the outgoing Rowing Club Captain Reuben Burnham. The efforts of the boys throughout the year were recognised through the presentation of awards: The J18 4x- (Coxless Quad) received the awarded for fastest crew boat; consisting of Rory McElhinney, Jacob Boal, Guy Morrow and Joshua Houston. Furthermore, the award for fastest single sculler was awarded to Rory McElhinney in recognition of his success throughout the year, including his winning of the BRC Sprints Regatta J18 singles category at only 16 years old. Additionally, 4 awards were presented for the most improved rower in each year: Year 11- Ruari Harris; Year 12-Mark Grant; Year 13- Leo Nutt; Year 14- Reuben Burnham. Furthermore, Oliver Mercer was awarded a prize for his Special Contribution to the club over the last year. A massive congratulations to all of those who were recognized with awards on Saturday.
The rowing club would like to extend and reiterate our gratitude to all of the parents who made Saturday's festivities possible. A particular thanks goes to Mrs. Gallaher for her contribution to organizing Saturday and to BRC for allowing us the use of their boats for the father-son race and LSC for allowing us to use their premise to host the event. A massive thanks to all of those who went out of their way to attend what was deemed to be a fitting departure for the Year 14 rowers who will be roundly missed by the whole club. We look forward to seeing everyone else next season in September for another year of rowing.