The CPGA Mixed Championships always has a great atmosphere amongst the annual Saltash Regatta & Waterside Festival.
With races being set off thick and fast throughout the day there was plenty of action for family and friends as well as spectators. Between races competitors enjoyed browsing the stalls and snacking on all sorts of treats from the food vans. The lively sounds of the regatta spilled over from the waterside embankment, creating a vibrant backdrop for the rowers.
Samantha West from RMA shared, “We get the chance to socialise with our crews, and with the regattas running alongside, we can enjoy some food and drinks while making the most of the day.”
Photo credit: Steve Strachen
Hosted by Caradon Gig Club, the Mixed Championships presents a rare occasion where rowers from both the Open and Women’s category get to compete together in the same boat. With A crews often being split across two boats, it boasts the exciting opportunity to build some fast combinations.
The format is also accessible for clubs who find it difficult to field crews of either 6 Open or Women’s rowers at one time.
This year a total of 91 crews entered the Championships across the Junior, Senior, Vets and Super Vets categories. As always Caradon Gig Club were very organised and everything ran exactly to time. There were even whispers that the cake offering was the best of the season so far – but we’ll let you be the judge of that.
The Stream Team were also kept busy, only pausing briefly to recharge batteries and refuel with a sandwich or two. Don’t forget you can rewatch all the live coverage on our Facebook page.
In preparation for the U16 Championships the following day, junior crews from Fowey, Dart, and Rame raced for the Mixed Championships title. Fowey took an early lead and maintained a commanding position throughout the race, demonstrating their strength. Special recognition goes to the crew from Rame, the only U14 team to participate, for choosing to compete in a higher category against older competitors.
Photo credit: Laura Lane
Last year, Caradon A took home the trophy for the fastest mixed Vets crew. In a similar turn of events, Caradon A retained their title with a very respectable lead. Also showing their prowess in this category were Falmouth A, who left Appledore and Padstow fighting for third place. Despite being challenged throughout the race by Padstow, Appledore clinched the medal. A special mention goes to Helford, who, despite missing out on Round 1 and having to race the Repechage, made it to the final.
Photo credit: Laura Lane
In the tightest final of the day, Caradon A once again defended their Mixed Championship title in the Super Vets category, crossing the line with a comfortable lead over Dart in second and Brixham A in third.
Photo credit: Laura Lane
In the Senior category, crews such as Coverack, Caradon, and Helford aimed to retain their podium positions from last year. Having raced well throughout the day, Ilfracombe A, Coverack A, Fowey A, Caradon A, Helford A, and Helford B lined up under the iconic Tamar Bridge to fight for their chance to take home some silverware— a notable achievement by Helford for being the only club to have two crews in the final.
In a rather intense battle for third place, Fowey and Ilfracombe got pretty close on the final leg of the course. Unfortunately, this led to Fowey A being disqualified, losing out on a third place medal. Despite the disappointment, it made for some exciting watching!
Photo credit: Laura Lane
Overall, it was a very successful day for Caradon, who had a clean sweep across the day, winning all the Senior events while hosting such an enjoyable day of racing.
Peter Fisher, Chair of CPGA Trustees, commented on the event’s success: “All the clubs here today have travelled from across the country and enjoyed a wonderful day of rowing, experiencing success on the water. All the senior rowers have had at least two rows, which is fantastic!”
Well done to everyone who participated and volunteered—another great day at the Mixed Championships.
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