Oar-some partnership helps power rowers

A County Durham school has joined forces with a regional housebuilder for one of the North East’s top sporting events.

Durham School Boat Club will represent Banks Homes at this weekend’s Durham Regatta, following a sponsorship that funded pre-season training at the Willem-Alexander Baan rowing centre, in Rotterdam, as well as new rowing kit. 

More than 30 student crews will take to the River Wear, some rowing in boats branded with the Banks Homes name.

Eddie Bryant, head of rowing at Durham School, which was one of Durham Regatta’s founders when it was first run in 1834, said: “The Durham Regatta is the highlight of the year for the club and we’re going all out to put on the best show we can on our home water.

“Being able to take students across to a world class training facility really boosted our preparations for this season, both in terms of the volume of training we got done, both on and off the water, and the team spirit that it helped bolster right across the age groups.

"Our crews make a long-term commitment and put in a huge amount of work to prepare themselves for competition and they’re ready to pit themselves against some of the best schools and rowing clubs in the region.

“While we have a long and proud rowing history, we’re a relatively small school compared to many of our peers and need to keep punching above our weight to stay competitive.  

“We’re very grateful for the support that Banks has given our young rowers this year to help us do just that, and proud to carry the Banks Homes name with us into competition at the weekend.”

The Regatta attracts more than 1400 competitors from schools, universities and rowing clubs from across the UK, with around 10,000 spectators expected to line the banks of the Wear over the two days.

There will also be a range of bands, performers, food stalls and businesses set up along the river, including Banks Homes’ team for the first time this year.

Russ Hall, managing director at Banks Homes, added: “Banks has been supporting a wide range of young people’s sports, sports teams and competitions across our home county for many years and we’re looking forward to seeing the Durham School crews flying the flag for the city this weekend.” 

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