The Veteran Fours Head took place on the Tideway in London on Sunday, November 20th over the 6.8km Championship course from Mortlake to Putney. Representing Durham ARC among 260 entries was the Mixed Masters C 4x- of Michael Terry, Rachel Terry, Kim Forster and David Muse (photo by Al Craigie above), and a composite MasA 4- from East India Club, stroked by Ollie Negus from DARC Senior Men (below), the maximum figure having been reached on October 28th, a week prior to the official closing date.
The DARC quad boated from Barnes Bridge Ladies RC amid warnings for competitors to be aware of the westerly wind and rapid flow rate of the river, and the race got underway on time at 1pm.
Both crews produced fine performances with the MasA 4- placing 4th in the MasA 4- and taking 20th position overall in 20.09.26, and the MxMasC 4x- finishing 3rd in their category and 76th overall in a time of 21.03.78.
Results from the Veteran Fours Head are here.
Photos from Al Craigie are available via the link here.
East India Club MasA 4- (photo Al Craigie)
There were no entries from DARC for the Fours Head which was contested over the same course on the previous day, November 19th.
The opening of entries on October 17th was met with huge demand, to the extent that organisers were overwhelmed and over 650 entries received for the 490 available places. Entries were therefore suspended within hours on the opening day and many were left disappointed, with few from the North making the cut.
Both competitions were in doubt until the last minute due to forecasts of adverse weather and a rapid flow rate, but were eventually given the go ahead. The strong stream ensured a fast race and led to new course records being established in 10 of the 12 categories contested in the Fours Head on Saturday.
Fours Head results are here.
That concludes the head racing on the Tideway until the Eights heads in March.
The premier head race in the North is Rutherford Head on the Tyne on December 3rd, including eights as well as fours/quads.