Ryde Rowing Club is pleased to announce that Wightlink has extended its sponsorship of the club for another year, with the new agreement running through to December 2025.
Wightlink’s continued support via its Wightlink in the Community initiative provides essential assistance for the club in transporting competitors, coaches, and equipment to and from the Island for mainland competitions throughout the year.
This invaluable partnership enables the club to regularly participate in events across the Hants & Dorset ARA Coastal Regatta Programme during the summer months, as well as in inland river events during the winter.
The sponsorship has been particularly beneficial to the club’s growing Junior Section, allowing them to attend competitions and training camps on the mainland.
Without Wightlink’s generous support, these opportunities would be significantly limited.
Steve Bull, an Honorary Life Member of Ryde Rowing Club said:
“We are very grateful for Wightlink’s ongoing partnership, which has been vital in helping the Club thrive over the years.
"Their support allows us to provide more opportunities for our rowers, particularly our Junior Section, and ensures they have the chance to compete at a national level.
"We’re incredibly proud of the work we do to nurture young talent and build a strong community spirit, and Wightlink’s continued involvement plays a huge role in making that possible.”
Wightlink, the main link between the Isle of Wight and the mainland, is one of the UK’s largest domestic ferry operators, carrying 4.3 million passengers annually.
With up to 140 sailings a day across three routes, Wightlink offers a frequent service to Island residents and holidaymakers alike, with excellent facilities on board and at its ports.
Sam Woodman, Wightlink’s Partnerships Marketing Manager, said:
"We are incredibly proud to continue our sponsorship of Ryde Rowing Club. Its dedication to providing opportunities for young people to develop their skills and passion for rowing is truly inspiring.
"We’re delighted to help enable Island rowers to compete at a regional and national level - it’s an honour to be part of their journey.”
Wightlink’s long-standing commitment to the Ryde Club dates back to the early days of its sponsorship, which began with the company, then known as Sealink, supporting the 1987 Isle of Wight-hosted South Coast Rowing Championships Regatta.
The Ryde club was the first to receive sponsorship from the company and it is believed to be the longest running and most successful sponsorship partnership in coastal rowing and one of the longest running in the sport of rowing as a whole.
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