YOUNG rowers in Weymouth have been given ‘the edge’ thanks to a funding boost from Portland Harbour Authority.

Members of the Junior Section at Weymouth Rowing Club were delighted when Portland Port representative Lorrie Green presented them with a brand new set of Macon oars.

Weymouth club president Andrew Goss said the state-of-the-art kit had ‘wider and shorter blades’ than traditional needle oars and were the favoured shape for serious gig racing.

He said: “The club takes the view that if it’s good enough for the adult rowers then it’s what the juniors should have too. “So we are hugely grateful to Portland Port for meeting the cost of this fine set of oars for our junior rowers.

“The juniors have made a great contribution this season to the club’s overall success in the Cornish Pilot Gig Association Tribute Series.”

Club spokesman Lynn Reynolds praised the generous donation and added: “Lorrie took to the water herself and had a row with a crew from our ladies section which she thoroughly enjoyed.”

Junior section spokesman Kathy Maybery said the new ‘excellent equipment’ meant the youngsters could row with two crews at a time.

Chief executive of Portland Harbour Authority Steve Davies said: “We are always keen to support young water users in the area.”