THE annual Stourport Regatta and Sprint took place at the weekend and 190 crews were entered in the 1,100-metre downstream course on Saturday.

The day started at 9am and, with a race every three minutes, the programme finished at 5pm. The shorter 500m upstream sprint course attracted 280 crews which meant racing needed to start at 8.30am to complete the programme by 6pm.

Despite the poor weather, the two-day event was deemed a great success, keeping Stourport firmly on the rowing map as one of the premier regattas in the country.

The 27 visiting clubs were made welcome by the home club and regatta secretary, Andy Hough, said: “Our special thanks go to Stourport Motor Yacht and Bungalow association, Stourport Rugby Club and Stourport Swifts, who generously offered their grounds and facilities to accommodate the hundreds of visiting athletes, officials and spectators.”

The Victor Ludorum prize, which is awarded to the most successful visiting club, was won by Reading for the senior and junior events, while the team from Ross won the veteran category.

Between making sandwiches, serving teas, marshalling and car parking, Stourport members managed a respectable haul of pots with sevenjunior, four senior and four veteran wins.

Stourport Boat Club captain Pete Lashford said members put in a commendable amount of effort.