WEYMOUTH Rowing Club members were on top form during the mini regatta they hosted at Newton’s Cove.

The bright, sunny and breezy conditions made for a challenging but fun event, and one which the hosts thrived at.

A testing course of approximately 1.6 miles, stretching from the stone pier to Portland harbour and back, via the cove, was created for the occasion.

Rowers from Torridge, Bristol, Hayling Island, Swanage, Poole, Portland and Bridport were enticed to Weymouth for some pre-World Championship racing.

The overall winners were Weymouth, claiming five out of eight races and coming in the top three in every race.

The Weymouth winners were the men’s and ladies’ A crews, and ladies’ veterans A, mixed A and junior crews.

Of all their wins, the most convincing was by the Weymouth mixed team, who in beating their own B crew, finished a huge 15 lengths clear of Dagger from Bridport in third.

There was a fantastic atmosphere on the Nothe, with all crews cheering home the boats and the usual hustle and bustle around the boat shed as everyone enjoyed the hospitality.

All the talk was of the impending World Championships which are being held in the Scilly Isles from May 2-5.

Weymouth is sending boats Tristan, Isolde and Penny with at least 10 crews competing.

Ladies’ captain, Lynn Reynolds, said: “We had nerves of steel deciding whether to hold the event or not due to the changing weather pattern.

“But on this occasion we ignored the Met Office and a great afternoon’s racing was had by all, with everyone having a great time on and off the water.”

She added: “I am so pleased with how Weymouth crews are shaping up and delivering exceptional results to a strict training programme.

“As a club, we are looking forward to the 25th World Pilot Gig Rowing Championships on the Scilly Isles and being part of such a prestigious event.”

Weymouth Rowing club is a local registered charity, helping people of all ages and abilities to get on the water and row.

They are always looking for new sponsors and junior members.

For more information, visit weymouthrowingclub.co.uk