First recorded rowing contest on Medway (1844)

Post date: Apr 11, 2015 7:53:59 PM

Extract from West Kent Guardian Saturday 27 July 1844.

YALDING.-Aquatic Match on the Medway.—We lately had a novelty in the shape of a rowing match, which came off between Mr. Jennings White, of Kenwards, and Mr Thomas M. Wild and Walter Boorman of East Peckham. As it was considered that the river in this part was not sufficiently wide for two boats, it was agreed that one of the boats should start 100 yards in advance of the other, the relative distances to be computed when the hinder boat arrived at the termination of the race. At six o clock, Messrs. Wild and Boorman, (who were allowed a coxswain) having won the toss, started in advance in gallant trim. Before, however, they arrived at Bowbridge, Wateringbury, which is about half the distance, Mr. White passed them with great ease, and the " jolly young watermen" behind him resigned the contest, soon after passing through the bridge. Mr. White then returned to them, and as there was every appearance of a storm coming on, he kindly offered to tow his late adversaries back to Kenwards.