THIS month ABP Southampton was proud sponsor of the Itchen Imperial Rowing Club’s 28th Annual Regatta.

The event, which took place on Saturday, August 6, saw teams from 13 clubs across Hampshire and Dorset such as Christchurch, Poole, Ryde, Southampton and Southsea compete in 86 races.

The event saw rowers kick off their 1,600m races at the rowing club’s base in Crosshouse Road, travel under the Itchen Bridge towards Ocean Village where it reached a buoy turn, then return to the finish line at the rowing club.

The three races ABP sponsored were the Ladies Junior Pairs, the Ladies Master Fours and the Ladies Novice Sculls, which was won by Rosie Daniels of Itchen Imperial Rowing Club.

The prize giving ceremony at the end of the day was led by ABP Southampton’s harbour master, Captain Martin Phipps, who gave a speech and awarded the winners’ medals.

He said: “We are very proud to sponsor such a fantastic event. There were perfect conditions out on the water, with little wind and sunshine. Congratulations to all the competitors. A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all.”

Sean O’Toole, ABP pilot, has been a member of the club for 3 years and competed in the event.

He said: “Itchen Imperial was, once again, the most successful club on the day and it was very kind of ABP Southampton to sponsor such an event. The sponsorship makes a big difference to a small club like ours. The trophies which ABP Southampton donated will be passed on annually at the Itchen Imperial Regatta for many years to come.”

The Itchen Imperial Rowing Club is based underneath the Itchen Bridge, Southampton, following a spell at the Eastern Docks in the 1960s. It has been the most successful club in the Hampshire and Dorset Amateur Rowing Association for the last few years, with its members ranging in age and ability.

To find out more about the club visit www. itchenimperial.co.uk.