Kingston Rowing Club last week honoured one of its long-standing members, Peter Hope, by naming their new top boat after him. Peter started rowing at Shrewsbury School, and raced on several occasions at Henley Royal Regatta, winning the Prince Philip Challenge Cup for coxed fours and gaining international selection in the coxed four in 1979 and 1981.

After christening the boat with the customary splash of champagne, Hope led a crew of Kingston stalwarts for an inaugural paddle. The crew included James Suenson-Taylor, Tim Crooks and Phil Gregory - all former international oarsmen.

The boat, bought with the support of the club's sponsors, Laytons Solicitors of Guildford, was built by Stampfli International, based in Byfleet.

"The support of Laytons has allowed the purchase of two new boats this season, which has been essential to the development of top crews," said Andy Hall, captain of KRC.

The crew that will be representing the club in this boat - Jay Gomez, Simon Lack, Adam Dracott, Felix Butterwegge and Sophie Guse (cox) - are currently preparing for the Henley Royal Regatta, which runs from July 2-6.

They recently raced at the Reading Regatta, beating a crew from Oxford University on the Saturday and winning the Senior One coxed fours on the Sunday against an alumni crew from Reading University.