Boustead and Rayner Cups both won by Thames
Thames Rowing Club regained the Boustead Cup and retained the Rayner Cup on Sunday 9 February in a day of exciting, close racing against our Embankment neighbours London RC.
After narrowly losing the Boustead in 2024, it was another tight contest in 2025 between the two clubs’ men’s first eights. Thames were on the Surrey station and had established a narrow advantage by the Chiswick Steps crossover, but were unable to break further away.
To the delight of the many supporters crowding the balconies of the two clubs, it was still neck-and-neck coming into the finish line at London. Thames held on to claim a canvas victory, and level the score in the cup at 33 races apiece.
In the Rayner Cup for the women, London, on Middlesex, had the better start and established an early lead. However the Thames women found their rhythm and had drawn level by the Bandstand, from which point they were able to move away to take a win of three lengths.
The Thames women’s second and third eights also both won their races by several lengths of clear water. In the men’s third eight race, it was again close for the first part of the race before the Thames men took the lead; in the men’s second eights, London just grabbed a win by a length after another incredibly close contest down the length of the course.
Our thanks to London for the racing, and to all those who helped umpire and marshal the event.
