𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 – 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝟮 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮

Saturday’s wild weather was a distant memory by Sunday morning as clubs rocked up to fresh conditions at Champion Lakes for the second pennant regatta of the season.  Threatening clouds brought a subdued number of spectators, but the promise of glistening water, artisan coffee and the finest BBQ skillz in the southern hemisphere were enough to attract the dedicated. As boats were rigged, sodden ground conditions (comparable to Splendour festival I’m told) resulted in more than one rower ending up ‘A over T’ whilst rigging boats, but nothing could dampen spirits on the water, with only a light breeze and a surprising lack of rain.

The banter bus rolled into town as Nick ‘Segue’ Sumich and the first guest commentator of the day Joey Dawson took up their positions in the commentary box, and the A and B grade scullers made their way to the start line to herald the start of another cracking day of racing.

As the first race took to the water, big Blake Whyatt’s decision to lose the mullet-weight was vindicated as he crossed the line to take the top B-grade honours and third place overall, followed closely by Alex Baroni.  The second race of the day saw Josh Hantke and Dejan Bouwhuis coming home in second and third position, with the Club’s reputation put on the line as the mic was handed to the dangerous duo of Xavier Dawson and Alex Cartwright - but to the surprise of Simon Cox, no spectators were seen leaving the venue after their commentary. The ladies also put in a strong showing in the sculls, with Joely Patterson returning from injury to take gold in her grade.

As the air temperature began to rise, a previously untested ladies C-grade coxed quad put in a stellar performance to bring home silver, before the men’s C-grade scullers hit the water, quite literally in some instances (Note from the editor: you’re not getting away with just that Oli. See photos for further detail.) This was followed by silver for Sophie Gillies and Elyse Moreau-Barrett and bronze for Clare Baroni and Finlay Gobby in the women’s C-grade doubles. 

On to the first 8 of the day, and Elise ‘Tonya Harding’ Christou was forced to put her sweet roller-skating moves on hiatus just long enough to cox the men’s B8 to victory in a nail-biting sprint finish against the Swan River crew, with UWA a close third.

A commendable effort in the men’s C-grade double for Stu Payne and Chris Zhao, who suffered a dislodged foot stretcher off the line, but still put in a solid effort.  Year 11 powerhouses Tom Byass and Sam Clode came in 4th in their double – a great result during Tom’s first year in a boat.

As a light breeze began to drift over the course, the fleet of capable dinghy drivers changed over, and the BBQ churned through bacon rolls.  Nick Wakeford stepped out of a dinghy in full WARC attire, leaving no-one unsure of which club was running this regatta.  Meanwhile GG ‘Safety’ Walker remained in command of the H&S boat, ready for action like a coiled spring in the event of an incident.

Back to the racing, and the A-grade quad stroked by Super Mario crossed the line in style, taking out 2nd place before the B-grade doubles hit the water with Joe Dawson stepping in at short notice to partner Caine Holdsworth.  Kieran Reading and Alex Edis brought home a solid gold in the D-grade double, a convincing 7.27 seconds ahead of UWA.

Xav Dawson brought his A-game, but sadly not his zootie.  Either that or ‘The Magician’ had made it disappear, but forgotten how to find it again.  After receiving a piece of Keana’s mind, Xav commandeered a sweaty zootie, and the C8 got underway to bring home another silver for WARC.  Sterling efforts from the women’s C-grade coxed quad with a gold in the first race, followed by a strong finish in the second race from the Clubbies coxed by George Warner in a field of far more experienced crews.  More silver medals followed in the form of Sophie Gillies’ C-grade scull, the men’s A8 (who, in a blistering performance, more than halved the gap to first place compared to the first pennant), and the women’s A8.

With the trailers all but loaded and the breeze picking up, the Clubbies won bronze in both races of the Women’s D-grade double. The women’s C8 brought home the final silver of the day, and another successful day on and off the water for WARC came to a close.

Hats off to everyone involved in running yet another fantastic Westies regatta, and a big congratulations to those returning home with medals or competing in their first events.  Onwards to the next regatta.

Go Wests!