Henley Masters Regatta 2015

Henley Masters Regatta enjoyed two days of glorious weather and high quality racing for its 22nd year. The event which has been steadily growing in size demonstrated its popularity back in May when entries closed just 13 days after opening and six weeks ahead of the original deadline.

The two day regatta which is now an internationally recognised event for masters crews saw particularly large entries in the eights categories, with crews from around the world including Australia, USA and Germany taking part. 

Two of the eights categories (C and D) were won by Molesey Boat Club. The ‘D’ crew which had 10 opponents was stroked by Richard Stanhope who stroked the GB 8+ to a silver medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. After the race, Richard said “It’s my first year of Masters racing which has given me the opportunity to race with and against people I’ve won Olympic, World and Henley medals. Previously, I never wanted to race as a master, but, unfortunately time doesn’t stand still. I am glad I raced at it has been fun and has reignited my love for the sport.

The women’s ‘B’ double sculls was also a tough competition with 10 entries, therefore requiring 3 rounds of racing ahead of the final. The title was eventually won by Greenbank Falmouth RC from Cornwall, the duo included Sarah Lewis who won in the women’s A single scull in 2014. 

As host club, Upper Thames had several crews in action and picked up five wins, including the Women’s ‘D’ eight which featured a host of former world championship medal winners including former Olympian Miriam Batten.  

A ‘B’ coxed four was entered from “US Veterans Rowing Club” which contained US military Veterans. The crew won their first two rounds to meet City of Bristol RC in the final. An extremely exciting race resulted in a three foot win for the crew from Bristol in a time of 3.26. Crew member Al Butler commented “We always enjoy racing at Henley Masters, it provides more of a relaxed and informal racing environment after “Junior Henley”. Invariably very well organised and a great opportunity to race side by side with quality international opposition on the most famous stretch of river water in the rowing world.”

The ‘C’ coxed four also provided exciting racing with St Andrew BC from Scotland beating Grosvenor RC by just 1 foot in 3.42. The St Andrew crew was stroked by Colin Williamson, Head Coach of Edinburgh University Boat Club who summed up the race saying “We were only ahead for 1 stroke, but it was the last one!”

Full results from the Regatta are now available at: http://www.henleymastersregatta.org.uk/results/