Women’s Henley Regatta

By Sarah Watson

Peterborough scullers tasted glory at the world famous Henley Womens Regatta, with 3 of their crews qualifying, one of them going on to win their event.

Harriet Drake-Lee and Charlotte Bolton took home the Raynor Cup after winning the Junior doubles category at this prestigious 3 day event. They got off to a promising start in their time trial over the 1350 metre stretch of the River Thames, ranking top out of the 27 crews in their category.

They later competed in the side-by-side racing over the slightly longer 1400 metre course, where they beat Trentham boat club in their first heat by 15 seconds. They then sailed through their quarter and semi finals, both times crossing the line with a comfortable 10 second lead. In the final they faced Claires Court School who were only 2 seconds behind them in the time trial, however this did not hinder their performance as they dominated the whole race, crossing the line with a 13 second lead.

Ellie Cooke reached the quarter final of the Junior singles category, after ranking 6th out 26 in the time trials and winning her first heat by a comfortable 15 second lead. She just missed out on a win by 5 seconds in her quarter final against Walbrook Rowing club. Another Peterborough sculler Ella Darrington raced in the same event, but missed out on qualifying by just 2 seconds.

Another Peterborough crew that qualified was Gemma Singleton, Keely Watson, Hayley Shipton and Sarah Watson in the Aspirational coxless quads category however they lost their first heat against Tideway Scullers school who then went on to win the event.

Alice Mason did the club proud in her single, after there being not enough competition for her to race in the PR3 Adaptive singles, she instead entered the Womens Open Aspirational singles category, achieving an excellent time but unfortunately missed out on qualifying for the heats.