Carrying on family trait

Herne Bay RC have christened the newest edition to their fleet of boats – a state-of-the-art carbon fibre coastal four.

Following tradition, the new boat was named after one of the club’s members – James Campbell.

James’s family, including his son Will, friends and club members were there to see his reaction to receiving the honour. The name of a new boat is only revealed to the person it is named after on the day of the christening.

James became a member of the rowing club in the early 80s and has been an active member since.

He has held the position of president and sat on the committee for many years. He has also served as captain of the club’s pool team, leading the team to victory in their division on several occasions.

His greatest rowing achievement was winning the South Coast Championship Junior fours race, the last time the event was held in Herne Bay in 1985 and he is delighted that since its christening, the new boat has been bringing success for his son Will who is currently racing in the club’s senior four crew.

The crew have recorded four successive victories and at Southsea won the prestigious Pompey Grand trophy in emphatic style leading the other crews by more than six lengths.

The crew of Will Campbell at stroke, Dan Ritchie, Tom Walton and Ryan Hosking are now aiming for qualification for the South Coast Championships, the culmination of the season, which will be held in Herne Bay on September 3.

They will race for the most sought after prize in coastal rowing, the Bideford Bowl.

The event sees clubs from the entire south coast, from Kent to Cornwall converge on the town for a day’s racing over a 2,000m course from Bishopstone Glen to the King’s Hall.