Racing in the rain at Tyne Head

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Competitors at Tyne Head of the River endured showery conditions for the 4.5km time trial on February 8th, the same day as the GB Open Trials at Boston which no doubt prevented some highly ranked athletes from entering,

Coming 2 weeks before the 2025 BUCS 4s and 8s Head, also to be held on the Tyne, Tyne Head offers ideal preparation for student crews entering for BUCS.

With entries from Newcastle and Edinburgh Universities already in short supply numbers became further depleted with the withdrawal of Durham University Boat Club’s 10 entries on the eve of the race.

Four entries from Durham ARC took part and were among 171 racing in morning and afternoon divisions.

After their success in the MasE 4x- category at TURC New Years Head and Durham SBH the Durham/Hexham/Tyne composite entered the Open 4x- in division 1 at Tyne and although placed 8th overall in 16.06.7 they were ousted into 2nd place in the category by a Northumbria University quad with youth on their side.

In a closely contested Women’s Masters CD 4x- handicap race the WMasC 4x- suffered another tantalizing three second defeat to Hexham C, in a time of 17.32.6 with Tees D in third place and Tyne D fourth.

The Senior Men made their competitive bow for 2025 in band 2 of the Open 8+ in division 2, a time of 17.15.1 giving them 5th place overall and taking the band 2 category victory 7 seconds ahead of York City. Tyne ARC were winners in band 1.

The WMasC 2x finished 3rd in a Women’s Masters BCF 2x handicap against Hexham B and Talkin Tarn F in a time of 25.00.5.

Open 8+ band 2

With entries from the larger Universities in short supply Northumbria University claimed the Women’s 4x- title as well as the Open 4x-, while the University of York won bands 1 and 2 of the Women’s 8+ despite all entries from the club being given a time penalty for abusive language. Hexham Rowing Club recorded the highest total of victories with 7 followed by Leeds RC with 5.

Results from division 1 and division 2 are available on Oar-Online.

Photos are available from SI Events.

Well done to the competitors and thank you to the hosts.

The winter season continues at pace with numerous head races over the next two months before side by side regatta racing returns –