SEA conditions were rough for the 53rd South Coast Championship Regatta at Sandgate, Folkestone, and just about rowable in the coastal coxed-fours provided for the racing.

Broader and shorter, with higher gunnels, the coastal boats are more suitable for sea rowing than the standard river skiff used within the West of England ARA.

The large shore swell with a strong backwash made it extremely difficult to launch boats from the steep pebble beach, although all crews made a successful launch.

The West of England ARA representation for the Championship races was abysmal. Just four crews were entered for the six Championship events to represent the Association, who were entitled to fill 12 places. A variety of reasons were offered including water conditions, distance to travel, unfamiliar boats, strict rules and even disgruntlement with the association.

The supporting coxed fours events attracted 91 entries. Again support from the West of England ARA was poor with just one entry, a Plymouth Ladies' Junior crew. Similarly, in the Junior Regatta a low entry of 31 only included four entries from WEARA.

The major Championship event, the Men's Senior coxed fours, was rowed with the usual intensity. Herne Bay and Ryde were the early leaders. BTC Southampton had been slow off the start but soon rowed through Ryde to challenge Herne Bay.

The lead changed hands occasionally, but BTC Southampton faded in the final 200 metres when put under pressure by Herne Bay.

Herne Bay went on to win by a distance from BTC who were three lengths from third placed Deal with Ryde fourth.

Southampton Coalporters got away from the fleet in the Men's Championship Junior/Senior coxed fours but Deal A and Shanklin gave chase.

At halfway Coalporters still led from Shanklin and Deal and the event developed into a three-horse race. Deal A ran out winners by half a length from Coalporters in a close finish with Shanklin just a canvas down in third place, Deal B fourth and Exeter fifth.

In the Men's Championship Junior coxed fours, Deal and Herne Bay got away from the rest of the field with Deal going on to win by three lengths from Herne Bay with Westover a distance behind in third place. Coalporters were fourth and Exeter fifth.

Southampton Coalporters made it three Championship wins in a row at Ladies' Championship Senior coxed fours. They led from start to finish to win by a distance from chasing Eastbourne.

Hastings who were slow starters came through for third two lengths behind Eastbourne with BTC fourth and Bideford Reds fifth.

In the Ladies' Championship Junior coxed fours, Southampton Coalporters led off the start but were caught by Herne Bay then Worthing.

With100 metres to go, Herne Bay held a three-length lead over Hastings, who made a final push to get on terms. Herne Bay held on to win by half a length with Coalporters third, Poole fourth and Exeter fifth.

Dartmouth had been selected to represent the West of England ARA at Veteran Championship coxed fours but a last minute withdrawal by one of the crew meant they did not travel.

Lymington were the early leaders in this event but Folkestone came through the field at half way and went on to win the Championship for the fourth time in the last six years.

Exeter excelled in the Junior Regatta, winning at Ladies' Under-18 coxed fours and Ladies' Under-16 coxed quadruple sculls.

SENIOR RESULTS.

Men's Senior coxed fours: 1 - Herne Bay, 2 - BTC Southampton, 3 - Deal 4 Ryde.

Men's Junior/Senior coxed fours: 1 - Deal A, 2 - Southampton Coalporters: 3 - Shanklin & Sandown.

Men's Junior coxed fours: 1 - Deal, 2 - Herne Bay, 3 - Westover & Bournemouth.

Ladies Senior coxed fours: 1 - Southampton Coalporters, 2 - Eastbourne, 3 - Hastings.

Ladies Junior coxed fours: 1 - Herne Bay, 2 - Worthing, 3 - Southampton Coalporters.

Veteran coxed fours: 1 - Folkestone, 2 - BTC Southampton, 3 - Eastbourne.

Points: 1 - Coast ARA 37pts, 2 - Hants & Dorset ARA 17pts, 3 - West of England ARA 0pts.

OPEN EVENTS

Men's Senior coxed fours: 1 - Bexhill, 2 - Herne Bay, 3 - Lymington.

Men's Junior/Senior coxed fours: 1 - Poole, 2 - Shoreham, 3 - Southampton.

Men's Junior coxed fours: 1 - Bexhill, 2 - Folkestone, 3 - Southsea.

Men's Novice coxed fours: 1 - Itchen Imperial, 2 - Christchurch, 3 - Bexhill.

Ladies Senior coxed fours: 1 - Shoreham, 2 - Deal, 3 - Folkestone.

Ladies Junior coxed fours: 1 - Christchurch, 2 - Bexhill, 3 - Itchen Imperial.

Ladies Novice coxed fours: 1 - Poole B, 2 - Poole A, 3 - Dover.

Veteran over 40 coxed fours: 1 - Worthing, 2 - Dover, 3 - Christchurch.

Veteran Over 50 coxed fours: 1 - Lymington, 2 - Shoreham, 3 - Bexhill.

Points: 1 - Bexhill 15pts: 2 - Poole 13pts: 3 - Shoreham: 11pts.

JUNIOR REGATTA

Men's Under 18 coxed fours: 1 - Christchurch, 2 - Bexhill, 3 - Shoreham.

Men's Under 16 coxed quadruple sculls: 1 - Lymington, 2 - Southampton, 3 - Plymouth.

Men's Under 14 coxed quadruple sculls: 1 - Southampton, 2 - Ryde, 3 - Plymouth.

Ladies Under 18 coxed fours: 1 - Exeter, 2 - Folkestone, 3 - Poole.

Ladies Under 16 coxed quadruple sculls: 1 - Exeter, 2 - Christchurch, 3 - Herne Bay.

Ladies Under 14 coxed quadruple sculls: 1 - Herne Bay, 2 - Worthing.

Points: 1 - Hants & Dorset ARA 25pts: 2 - Coast ARA 17pts: 3 - West of England ARA 12pts.