Henley Women's Regatta 2022

After a semi-final loss in 2021, Thames regained the Copas Cup for club 8s at Henley Women’s Regatta this year, securing the title after an amazing race against our rivals, friends and neighbours Vesta Rowing Club.

Racing in the Pauline Rayner, the Thames crew put out a fast start to lead Vesta early on, and fended off repeated pushes from their opposition right down the course. The final verdict was just 3/4 length.

Earlier in the day the championship 8 raced Brown University of the USA in the semi-finals. They shot out of the blocks and had a very slight early lead before the powerful Brown crew moved away after the Barrier. The 1 2/3 length verdict turned out to be the closest of the regatta for Brown, who beat University of London in the final in a course record.

Also in the Ron Needs Cup for championship 8s, the Remenham composite drew Leander in round 1 , losing by 1 3/4 lengths in their first competitive showing.

Several other Thames crews reached the quarter-finals of the regatta. The B crew in club 8s beat City of Cambridge on Friday to set up a quarter-final showdown with Vesta. The quad beat Edinburgh University B in the first round before losing to eventual winners Edinburgh A in the quarter-finals.

Our championship 4- drew a composite from Tideway Scullers and Casitas Rowing and raced their best race of the season to push their opponents all the way. Likewise, the club 4- had a close race against Vesta in the first round, forcing Vesta to set a course record to beat them.

It was a strong showing from all the crews, displaying tenacity in every race, and set the squad up nicely for a tilt at Henley Royal Regatta soon afterwards.