Bournemouth University claim Head of the Stour title
Christchurch Rowing Club’s annual ‘Head of the Stour’ took place on Sunday 25th March, under excellent conditions on the eponymous river in Dorset.
The 3,000m processional race attracted over 125 crews, ranging from single sculls to eights, and was raced in two divisions starting from Mudeford and ending at Christchurch Quay.
The warm spring weather and a light south-easterly breeze attracted a healthy number of spectators to vantage points such as Grimbury Marsh though increased traffic on the river presented some difficulties.
However, thanks to vigilant marshalling and co-operative rowing, only one collision occurred on what turned out to be a tremendous day of racing.
The fastest time of the day and title ‘Head of the Stour’ went to the Bournemouth University 8+, who completed the 3,000m course in eight minutes and 48 seconds.
In the Open Double Sculls Ryde achieved a fast time of 10:21, and Christchurch sculler Matt Aldridge took the pennant for Novice Single Sculls with a time of 11:29.
The Head of the Stour heralds the transition from winter training to the start of the regatta season on the South Coast, and results indicated good potential across the board.
For more information about the Head of the Stour and to see the full list of results, visit www.headofthestour.webs.com.
Patrick Hollingworth
