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Isla Stiven (bow, left) and Elena Masyte (stroke, right) launching to the Open Women 2x time trial in Victoria. (Submitted photo)
By Liam Verster
Island Summer Regatta

Vernon junior rowers take silver in Victoria Regatta event

Jul 14, 2022 | 11:45 AM

Two Vernon junior rowers returned home from Vancouver Island with some special hardware.

Elena Masyte and Jonas Masys placed second in the Mixed Junior Double Scull event at the Island Summer Regatta in Victoria.

Masyte (17, bow) and Masys (16, stroke ) secured a spot in the A finals by scoring the fastest heat time at the Elk Lake course, which is home to the Canada Rowing National Team. They finished second in the final, coming in just 0.39 seconds behind the winning crew from the Vancouver Rowing Club.

Masys also qualified for the B final in the Single Scull races, where he placed third fastest between the B.C. U17 rowers overall.

Masyte finished sixth in the C final, and Vernon’s Isla Stiven placed fifth in the D final.

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The Vernon Open Women 2x boat was fifth in the C final.

Danica and Natalia Ariano, a Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club (VRDBC) graduate crew who are now competing for University of Victoria, also earned silver in the Family Double sprints.

Natalia (left) and Danica Ariano finishing in the Family Doubles event . (Submitted photo)

VRDBC scored 33 per cent of all the available points at the Island Summer Regatta, the most points scored by any of the 21 participating clubs.

The club added eight of its junior members will be representing the area in the upcoming B.C. Summer Games in Prince George from July 20 to 24.

by Liam Verster
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