“It has really bonded us”: Mother and son race at Henley Royal Regatta

Lizzy of London RC and Felix of Tideway Scullers both qualified their boats for HRR and had the incredible experience of competing in consecutive races down the iconic course

Rowing is a sport which often produces generational chains.

For many Juniors, hearing stories from parents about their experiences of racing is what plants the seed of curiosity to enter the sport, whilst watching from the river banks gives some parents the push they need to jump into a boat for the first time.

Henley this year has been especially special for one particular mother and son, Lizzy Saary and Felix Buttle, who both successfully qualified within their respective crews for The Wargrave Challenge Cup (Club Women’s Eights) and The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup (Junior Men’s Eights).

For both clubs, these crews had made history, with London RC achieving a record three qualification spaces in the Wargrave. Felix’s crew are the first Junior Men’s Eight from Tideway Scullers to qualify.

Felix said; “Qualifying this year showed how much we stepped on throughout the year, progressively getting faster.” The crew had previously narrowly missed out on qualification at last year’s Henley Royal Regatta.

“Sometimes we go out sculling together too and I just love that we’ve got that thing to share.”

Both Lizzy and Felix raced on Tuesday afternoon, coincidentally in consecutive races. Facing strong competition, both were knocked out, but that didn’t dim their enthusiasm for the event and their pride in their respective races.

“It was one of our best races,” Lizzy said, “and while sad it didn’t go our way, we are super proud of what we have achieved to be here.”

Felix also shared that he had followed his mother’s advice for tackling the Henley course. “She told me to give it everything; all you can do on this course is throw everything at it and hope for the best.”

It was clear from speaking to both Lizzy and Felix that they had relished the opportunity to compete on the same stretch of water and play a part in writing their crews into club history.

How has rowing at the same time grown their relationship? “It has really bonded us,” Lizzy said. “Sometimes we go out sculling together too and I just love that we’ve got that thing to share.”

It was Lizzy who was the first to be drawn to rowing, having long had it on her bucket list. Aged 40, Lizzy finally gave it a go and quickly fell in love with the sport. As for the rest of the family, the rowing bug continues to spread through the household. While Felix’s older brother no longer rows, he has two younger brothers developing towards promising Junior rowing careers. Felix’s younger brother Dylan is currently also rowing with Tideway Scullers as a J15, with aspirations of racing at Henley Royal Regatta in the coming years.

For Felix, this is his last year as a Junior but he is keen to continue in the sport. Rowing has this unique way of pulling individuals – and families – back to the water.