After the Durham College Rowing Novice Cup in November was restricted to an ergo competition because of the high river level, and the Senate Head in January was cancelled due to the obstructed course, it was a relief when the Novice Head was given the all clear to go ahead on February 26th.

Forty eight Open and Women’s coxed fours representing the 16 current College Boat Clubs took part in a well organised time trial in two divisions, following the same 1800 metre long course as Durham Small Boats Head.

Numbers were swelled by the inclusion of South College, founded in 2020 who have fully embraced rowing and affiliated to British Rowing last year, and Stephenson College and John Snow College whose students completed the transfer from the Stockton campus to Durham in 2019 and 2020. With Durham University planning for the addition of a further 4 to 6 new colleges in Durham by 2027 we should no doubt anticipate further growth in popularity.

Novice Head 2023

On completion of the time trial Collingwood College was declared the winner in the Open, Women’s and Overall categories. Results are available here.

The large numbers of novices in their first year of rowing is an indication of the renewed interest in the sport.

The Admirals Regatta takes place in the Easter term, following close on the heels of Durham Regatta, and is generally a more relaxed occasion.

Admirals Regatta