ONCE again, the Isle of Wight had representation at national level, with two crews competing at the biggest junior regatta in the country — the National Schools Regatta. 

Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club athlete, Fred Giemza-Pipe, in only his second competitive outing in the single scull, finished third in the C final and 18th overall — a remarkable achievement, considering his relative inexperience in this discipline.

Clubmates, Carter Horrix and Louis Sheasby — who went up an age group in the J16 double scull — also exceeded expectations, finishing fifth in the A final at Eton Dorney. 

The boys, who produced the seventh fastest time in their opening time trial, were in the leading pack for the first 500m, sculling fearlessly to keep in touch with the crews in the medal positions. 

Leading the chasing pack to the line, they pushed on relentlessly to finish in a remarkable fifth overall.