Penarth Rowing Club Established in 1880

P.R.C Captains Report 2007

In 2007 it has proved to be another massive step for Penarth Rowing Club in its outlook for the future.

On the water, the last 12 months have shown the further progress made by our young rowers, many of them have attended the “blades” rowing course at the Channel View rowing centre, thus learning the very basics of rowing by top coaches. The development of the junior section (which now musters some 32 juniors & young adults) is as a result of the countless hours spent by various club members, my special thanks to Nick Hall & Mike Lee for their invaluable assistance & time.

There have been various highlights for junior rowing over the past 12 months, some of these include:

• Asa Murray being identified by the Welsh National Rowing Squad as a future international, his training begins in January.
• Various medals (Gold, Silver & Bronze) being won by Penarth Rowers at the Welsh National indoor rowing championships.
• Young rowers rowing at Ross Regatta, 2 junior 4+ crews & 1 novice 8+.
• Highly credible times at the British indoor rowing championships.
• Spencer Murray part of the Penarth crew that took part in the Mortlake to Putney race in November.

In April, the annual dinner was a complete sell out and attended by nearly 100 members, thus showing once again that the club has a renewed and enthusiastic interest both on and off the water.

During the spring and summer, regular rowing took place nearly 7 days a week as the club was forced to re-structure it’s coaching for the junior & senior sections due to ever expanding numbers.

The whole year fittingly ended with the Rowing Festival, which was held in September and received another good turnout, the event was well supported and enjoyed by all. As Regatta Secretary, I could always rely on the able assistance of Mike Lee, Nick Hall, Dylan McPherson, Nick Hone, Rob Palfrey, Andy Davidson, with special thanks to Nick Rees, Patrick Webster, Jackie Palfrey, Collette & Juliet Hone. Without the special efforts of all these people & others, including the continued support of the club and sailors, this event just would not have taken place.

I’m pleased to announce that as a club we have surpassed the 3 objectives I proposed in the 5 year development plan, just over 3 years ago:

• Development of the club
• New equipment
• More members

Moving into 2008, a new objective needs to be added:

• Sustain the new & existing members for future years.

Plans have already been put in place to develop further financial stability for the club, currently the club is in its best ever financial position & as a committee we continue to try and maximise our profit while maintaining further investment in the future.

I would personally like to thank the support of my fellow committee members, but also the Yacht Club General Committee who have assisted us greatly in our steady progress.

It finally leaves me to say that it has been an honour and a pleasure to serve as captain over the last 12 months. I wish all within the club a very Happy Christmas & prosperous 2008, both on and off the water.

Richard.A.Laats – Captain Penarth Rowing Club