The 191st Durham Regatta on Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th was hailed a great success despite competitors having to contend with a fierce headwind throughout both days. Huge interest saw entries suspended early with those for Saturday racing fully subscribed within an hour of opening on May 19th.
Competitors from clubs as far afield as Ardingly in Sussex and St. Paul’s School in London took part in over 460 races over the weekend in boat classes ranging from single sculls to eights and octuples, the most successful clubs being Durham Amateur Rowing Club with victories in 20 events, followed by Yarm School (12), Tyne Amateur Rowing Club (10), Durham University Boat Club (9), Hexham Rowing Club (8) and Lambton Rowing Club (8).
Durham University Boat Club retained the prestigious Grand Challege Cup for Championship coxed fours raced over the long course on Sunday.
Six Durham Colleges achieved success, with 4 wins for Collingwood, 3 for Grey, 2 for Hatfield and one each for Trevelyan, St. Chad’s and John Snow. Trevelyan College took the Prince Bishop Trophy for Women’s intermediate eights, St Chad’s College the Mackay Challenge Cup for Women’s Beginner fours, and John Snow College the MRT Coulson Trophy for Women’s Beginner singles (sponsored by Rita Hole in memory of Clive).
Rainbow boat
Infinity Boat Club, on their first appearance at the Regatta, had a win in the J13 coxed quad on Saturday to give them the John A Short Trophy. Infinity Boat Club is a charity based on the River Tees that aims to bring the sport of rowing to schoolchildren who would not normally have access to it because of financial or social circumstances.
The Mayor’s Plate for Open beginner fours (sponsored by Cllr Liz Brown, the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Durham) was won by Queen Elizabeth High School.
The Regatta is extremely grateful to all its sponsors for their support. Event winners have been listed indicting sponsor and trophy awarded for Saturday and Sunday racing.
Results from all races are available in race order for Saturday and Sunday and in other formats on the Competitors page.
Titans of Speed pedalo race
A pedalo race between BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Matt Bailey and the Chair of the Regatta’s Race & Technical Committee Andrew Stephens took place in the interval between divisions on Saturday and resulted in a comfortable victory for Andrew. Funds donated will go towards the Great North Air Ambulance Service. Contributions can be made here.
As well as a range of food and drink outlets the entertainment on the riverbank included craft displays and re-enactments from Viking groups based in Durham, Northumberland and York, and the annual Classic Car Rally on the Racecourse. Other free entertainment included fairground rides, street theatre, magic tricks, face painting and performances by local brass bands.
As always, the Regatta can only take place thanks to the efforts of the many volunteers who give their time and energy.
Repainted arches
PalTV provided a live broadcast of the action from both days which was sponsored by The Water House, Durham and can be viewed on YouTube for Saturday and Sunday.
The prizegiving was conducted on Sunday evening in a new location in the Grand Marquee at Durham Amateur Rowing Club, with prizes presented to winners by the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon, the Mayor of Durham Councillor Liz Brown, and Cambridge University oarsman Matt Edge.
The 192nd Durham Regatta will take place on June 14th and 15th, 2025.
Vikings