Regatta taster session for families

MORE than 60 people attended a free Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta taster session at Wargrave Boat Club.

They had a go at skiffing, rowing, punting, canoeing, punting in canoes and dongoling, with the help of club coaches. The majority of visitors were under 12s and juniors.

Regatta chairman Carlton Barnard, who ferried people from the Shiplake bank to the Wargrave bank, said the club was trying to encourage more people to take part in the regatta this year and was running sessions at Shiplake cubs and Shiplake Primary School.

He said: “Last year numbers were down because of covid but we always have a good response to the training sessions. We get loads of entries in the last week. Last year we had 360 races, approximately one every three minutes.”

Tommy Lane, 14, took out a skiff with Harry Rechner, 13, and Toby Lane, 12, said: “It was good fun but tiring.”

Another free training session at the club will be held on Sunday.

The regatta will take place on Friday and Saturday, August 4 and 5. Entries close on Tuesday. To enter, visit www.wsregatta.co.uk

Pictured, left to right, Harry Rechner, Toby Lane, Zoe Lane, 49, Tommy Lane, and James Rechner, 22.