Wales take the Home International Rowing Beach Sprints trophy

September 24, 2025

Close racing and challenging conditions at the Home International Rowing Beach Sprints saw Wales claim the overall victory

Credit: James Andrews

On the beautiful Donegal coastline of Ireland in windy and challenging conditions, Wales became the first nation to win the Guin Batten Trophy on another nation’s sand, as well as claiming overall victory for a second time at the Home International Rowing Beach Sprints (HIRBS).

Junior Women’s Solo

Concerns about conditions worsening throughout Saturday meant that singles were moved forward to start the day’s time trials, before moving into side-by-side racing. Wales claimed their first of three victories of the day in the Women’s Junior Solos. Emily Lunt (Hexham RC) took gold by 10 seconds over Lucy Whiteley (RGS Worcester BC) of England.

Credit: James Andrews

Junior Men’s Solo

The Junior Men’s Solo saw hosts Ireland claim their only victory of the day with Jack Hehir (Rosscarbery RC) beating Welsh rower Hayden MacDonald (City of Sunderland RC) into second place by 6 seconds.

Credit: James Andrews

Women’s Solo and Men’s Solo

Scotland claimed one of their two victories in the Women’s Solo, with Megan Hewison (Molesey BC) beating Lara Brittain of Wales into second place. In the Men’s Solo, Jerry Owen (Fishguard & Goodwick Jemima RC) once again met Hal Flowerdew (Tynemouth RC) of England. In challenging conditions, Jerry (2023’s HIRBS Champion) beat Hal (2024’s HIRBS Champion) by 16 seconds.

Credit: James Andrews

Junior Mixed Doubles

Moving on to the Mixed Doubles, England rowers Zara Gray (Lymington RC) and Valen Giacchetto (Christchurch RC) led throughout their race, beating Wales with Max Roughton (Marlow RC) and Grace James (Hartpury College) in a close final until Wales were caught off by a tough wave, turning their boat side onto the course. In taking their win, Zara became one of only two English rowers to ever defend their title at HIRBS. Zara said, “Becoming a defending champion is an incredible achievement and one not possible without the amazing and supportive team surrounding me this year and last! I’m proud to have been able to do it wearing England colours!”

Credit: James Andrews

U23 Mixed Doubles

In the U23 Mixed Doubles, Welsh rowers, Natasha Phillips (Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima RC) and Adam P (Warrington RC) came from behind in the final quarter of the race. The double pushed through after having a difficult start to catch up with the English double of Tom Walker (Christchurch RC / University of Exeter BC) and Caitlin Lockey (Christchruch RC / City of Oxford RC) after the English duo were caught in a wave pushing them side on and struggled to correct their line to finish 7 seconds behind the Welsh crew.

Credit: James Andrews

Senior Mixed Doubles

The final race of the day in the Senior Mixed Doubles saw Scotland’s second win, with Z Cochrane (Glasgow University BC) and C Khan (George Heriots School BC) racing in the Mixed Doubles event against Wales with returning athletes Bo Hughes and Thea Adamson. Scotland powered through the ever worsening conditions beating Wales in a little under 17 seconds to take bronze.

Credit: James Andrews

With Wales securing three victories and four second places, they did more than enough to take first place position for the overall trophy on Irish sands and waters. Wales finished with an overall points total of 24 points, 6 points ahead of England in second place.

England Beach Sprint Team Manager, Rachael Ball, said “Ireland provided a beautiful backdrop for this year’s event. We had some of the most challenging conditions we’ve had at a HIRBS but every athlete coped amazingly and did themselves proud. There was a great atmosphere on the beach, with athletes and volunteers dancing along to the music and cheering at the sidelines. I was very impressed with our boat handlers who were in and out of the water all day and would like to thank them for providing vital support for the athletes.”