Meet the committee
Past committee member profiles are available in the Past Committee section.
Chairperson – Tom
Profile TBC
Secretary – Michèle
I originally learnt to row at university. After a hiatus of about 30 years and following a few paddles with friends and family I returned to the sport at Hillingdon Rowing Club. In 2020 we lost our lake to HS2 and in 2021 I found Spitfire. I love the positive can-do attitude and welcoming atmosphere at the club.
Treasurer – Sarah
Profile TBC
Safety Advisor – Mark
Profile TBC
Captain – Manuel
Level 2 Session Coach since 2016
I have been dabbling in rowing since 2009, having started as a recreational sculler in Sport Club do Porto, in my hometown of Porto, Portugal. Following my move to Kent in 2012 to pursue my studies at the University of Kent in Canterbury, I have joined several local Kentish clubs (not all in one go, mind!!), starting with the University’s own club, moving on to Spitfire BC, and later joining Herne Bay Amateur RC (a coastal rowing club) where I have developed a taste for competition, thus not being able to call myself a recreational rower any more!
Currently, I divide my time between my “river crowd” at Spitfire BC and my “coastal crowd” at Herne Bay (with a significant overlap between the two). Being the captain of Spitfire for a couple of years now, I ensure that the boats are looked after and regularly taken out by our club members.
Vice-captain – Ben
Profile TBC
Vice-captain – Patrick
Profile TBC
Social Secretary – Sam
Hi! I’m Sam, the Social Secretary for Spitfire Boat Club, I am a junior member and joined the club in April 2023 following the Learn to Row programme. Since then I have learned to cox, single scull, and I can be regarded as a session leader at the club.
I joined the committee in May 2024 as there was a spot open for Social Secretary. In my role I manage the social media and organise club social events, such as Christmas meals and club fundraisers.
I plan to further develop my skills in 2025 with hopefully learning how to foot steer quads and eventually learning how to sweep.
Club Welfare Officer – Tom