A BOAT-NAMING ceremony and launch party was held at the Marlow Rowing Club, after estate agents Hamptons International agreed to sponsor the club.

Rowing teams and staff joined Hamptons bosses at the riverside on Sunday, February 26, to celebrate the deal and the successes of the club.

More than 50 people attended and several boats were officially named by pouring champagne over them.

One boat was named after club sculler Zac Purchase, 19, who won a silver medal at last year's world rowing championships and a gold medal in the under-23 championships.

Another was named after the club secretary of 40 years, Mike Mounsten, and a third was named after Marlow's annual Rower's Revenge triathlon.

Marlow Rowing Club president Ian Hewitt said: "We are proud of the club's heritage and the achievements of our members. The day went very well and we are looking forward to a long and rewarding relationship with Hamptons."

The estate agents will help maintain the club and its equipment with a new boat costing up to £20,000.

Ian Westerling from Hamptons International said: "We look forward to developing a strong alliance with Marlow Rowing Club at a time when there is considerable focus on the sport in the UK."