newcastle regatta 2020

CDRA Sprint Championships – 22nd November 2020

With corona virus restrictions casting a gloom over all sporting activities, the conduct of the Newcastle regatta was uncertain. The Manning River CDRA regatta set down for the end of November had been postponed (probably cancelled) and the Taree Summer Regatta was also listed as “postponed”. To keep the sprint championship regatta within limitations set by NSW Health, Newcastle Rowing Club decided to reduce the number of entries by removing all non-championship events from the program which restricted the number of races for all Endeavour competitors.

Despite the limits placed on participation, the regatta was a great success and our rowers performed magnificently. The weather was perfect with sunny skies, moderate temperature and little wind giving ideal racing conditions. Endeavour had 22 starts for 6 wins, 8 seconds and 6 thirds. Nine Endeavour rowers won championships with Sean Donza (3 gold medals) and Rosie Furness (2) being multiple winners.

Our new boat ‘Ian and Margaret King’ saw its first regatta and its first win with Reg Vaughan, Sean Donza and Owen Redhead in the mens masters coxless four.


Winning crews:
Champion Mens Masters D Single Sculls: Sean Donza.
Champion Mens Masters C Double Sculls: Sean Donza + composite.
Champion Womens Masters C Double Sculls: Kerry Blatchley, Rosalie Furness.
Champion Mens Masters F Quad Sculls: Digby Rayward + composite.
Champion Womens Masters D,E Quad Sculls: Katrina Whiteley, Rosalie Furness, Gillian Weatherall, June Lacey.
Champion Mens Masters Four: Reg Vaughan, Sean Donza, Owen Redhead + composite.