Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprints see Australia come out on top

The Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprints, or ‘CRABS’, as it has come to be known by participants, took place this past weekend, 21-23 November 2025, in Browne’s Beach, Bridgetown, Barbados. Fourteen Commonwealth nations were represented across 57 athletes taking part.

Australia’s Blake Whyatt and Elizabeth Newell came away with the gold in both the men’s and women’s solos. They beat out Beach Sprint regulars Jeremiah Owen (Wales) and Natacha Searson (Jersey) in their respective Final A’s.

Jersey’s Chris Thompson and Scotland’s Heather Gordon, both from the Great Britain CMix4x+ at the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals, claimed bronze in the solo. Australia, following their victory in the solos, doubled up and found another victory against Wales in the Mixed Double Sculls. Scotland took home Mixed Double Sculls bronze.

In an epic ending to the event, the Team Relays (composed of a solo, mixed double, and another solo), saw Australia claim another victory, this time over Scotland. Wales took the victory in the Final B for the bronze medal, winning over a composite crew made of Guernsey, Australia, Barbados, and Vanuatu.

Full results for the Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprints can be found here.