A successful first day was had by all at Plymouth Regatta on Saturday, June 13, the first regatta in the West of England Series. In tough racing conditions, the Dartmouth boys have set the bar for their season together.

First race of the day for Dartmouth was the men's novice four of Luke Sharam, Adam Sharam, Will Atkins, Will Cumberlidge and cox Marie Dayment.

Setting off in the lead pack of boats from the start, an impressive push at the halfway mark put them in the top three; Bideford Reds finished first by just a canvas, with the boys coming in at second place.

This race was soon followed by the two Dartmouth scullers for the day; Tess Preston in the women's senior C scull in third place and Will Cumberlidge in his debut sculling race in the men's novice.

Keeping with the more experienced scullers off the start, Will crossed the line in fourth place, a good result considering such horrible conditions.

Another debut race for Dartmouth was the men's novice double of Luke Sharam and Will Cumber­lidge, who put in a late push and went on to take second place, with Bideford Reds in first.

The best and final race of the day was the men's senior C four of Luke Sharam, Adam Sharam, Will Atkins, Will Cumberlidge and cox Tess Preston.

In the centre lane of seven boats, Dartmouth took the lead from the start, constantly driving on through the halfway mark. The last 250m put them in contention with main rivals Castledore. A final push of everything meant they crossed the line in first place, with Castledore in second and Bideford Reds coming in at third.

An excellent start to the season, the boys have already put points down for the novice and senior C championships. Club captain Yorkie Lomas was thrilled with their first day racing as a crew.