Doncaster Rowing Club hold 'virtual regatta' during lockdown

The event saw 21 competitors – aged from 13 to 72 – take part in a series of 1km races from home.

A handicap system was implemented to make racing as fair and equal as possible.

Participants used their own rowing machine and were asked to send a photograph of their monitor display to a special WhatsApp group following the conclusion of each race.

The club provided updates on social media.

Following a round-robin format of one-on-one races, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, youngster Nic Batchelor was crowned champion.

Upon conclusion of the event, the club tweeted: “We have a winner! Well done Nic our first ever virtual regatta champion (virtual champagne supplied by his dad). Thanks for taking part everyone. See you at the next virtual event.”

Nic’s father Paul said on Twitter: “Well done to our Nic on winning the inaugural @DoncasterRC Virtual Regatta this morning and well done to all 21 rowers who competed. Huge thanks also to @PlotNotes for making it all possible.”

Competitor Caroline Buckle tweeted afterwards: “Today I took part in the virtual regatta organised by @DoncasterRC this was fantastic, well organised and really enjoyable. Thank you to everyone taking part today for the banter, making me work hard and just being there for each other.”

Visit www.doncasterrowingclub.com for more information about the club.