BUCS regatta race report
This year’s BUCS regatta was a very special one for DUBC. All boats performed incredibly well over this 4-day regatta at Nottingham Holme Pierrepont, proving themselves both on and off the water with their resilience, commitment and dedication in striving for the squad’s success. The weather treated DUBC athletes fairly well across the first 2 days, with sun and blue skies, quickly resorting to rain and colder temperatures in the second half; classic Nottingham weather! However, hope was not lost, as DUBC athletes were able to stay comforted and provided for in our huge tent situated at the finish line. Much thanks must be given to the parents of our athletes for organising and providing us with delicious and nutritious meals and drinks, from breakfast and supper to energy gels and homemade baked goods. Even with one of the biggest squads DUBC has fielded in a while, there was plenty to go around. The atmosphere of encouragement and support that is created among students, parents, and coaches is one that makes DUBC unique, contributing to our success.
Friday
DUBC started BUCS regatta with a very strong set of results! The women’s championship coxed four, stroked by Isadora Kennedy, achieved an impressive gold medal, followed by the men’s championship coxless four achieving a silver medal, a promising and inspiring start.
Saturday
The following day saw a fantastic array of medals for more athletes. The men’s championship eight walked away with silver place, followed by the men’s second eight, stroked by George Travis, achieving a promising 5th place in their A final. Two further men’s eights competed in the intermediate B final and D final, showing the incredible depth of the men’s squad. The breadth across boat classes is seen in the men’s intermediate lightweight pair that achieved a silver medal, followed by the women’s pairs, securing a bronze and silver medal in the championship and intermediate categories, respectively. Above all BUCS points secured, there are other highlights of the day worth mentioning. The women’s championship quad, stroked by Charlotte Dargue, rowed very impressively in their A final, alongside some of the top sculling universities in the country, securing a close 4th with 2 seconds off 3rd place. The women’s lightweight double also performed well, securing a close 4th place with a similar time margin. The development squad, in particular, convincingly rounded off the successful day by winning their B final in the men’s coxed four, showing the versatility and strength of our programme.
Sunday
Despite fatigue kicking in on the third day of the regatta, our athletes continued to shine and prove themselves on the water. The women’s squad had a particularly strong day, with the women’s championship eight achieving a bronze medal in the A final, followed by a strong performance by the women’s second eight in their intermediate final, securing 5th in a packed field. The men’s squad were also impressive, achieving a silver in the championship coxed four and another in the intermediate category. The lightweight men proved great diligence in securing another silver in the championship coxless four.
Monday
The final day saw an impressive win in the men’s championship pairs, including Marius Bjorn-Hansen Ahlsand and Will Morgan-Jones, followed by a bronze medal in the second Durham pair. The men’s lightweight quad finished off their success at the regatta with a solid bronze medal in their final. The women’s intermediate coxed four was an incredible race to watch, with Megan Hadfield leading an incredible sprint to take the silver medal in their final. This was followed by a close race in the women’s championship coxless four, among the likes of Oxford and UL, securing a solid 4th place.
Overall, this year’s BUCS regatta proved to be very successful for DUBC. Such success, however, is not only the result of the athletes’ efforts, but also of the many people who contribute behind the scenes. Appreciation of the coaches’ efforts throughout the regatta must first be made, from giving us strategic pre-race talks and supporting us on the sidelines of the lake to sorting out rowing equipment and trailering. Secondly, thank you to all the volunteers who help make BUCS regatta happen, from assisting marshals and racing crews to stake boating and timing. A shoutout should be made to Ollie Hanks and Caspar Gray (Durham alumni), who participated as volunteers in this event. As already mentioned, the parents contribute hugely to our successes, enabling DUBC to achieve 2nd place in the overall Victor Ludorum standings, 3rd in the open and 3rd in the women’s standings. These results are incredibly promising for the season ahead, looking towards MET and Henley Royal Regatta.
By Antonia Warner (third year rower).