Henley Royal Regatta 2025 🥂🚣🏆

Massive well done to all our COBRA members involved in this year’s Henley Royal Regatta.

Firstly, massive congratulations to Rachel Bradley and her VIII+ from Newcastle University who competed in the Island Challenge Cup. Pre-qualifying for the event and being seeded through to Thursday goes to show just how admirably this crew has performed in the last two years to be thought of so highly by the stewards of this prestigious event.
The crew convincingly won against strong boats from St Andrews and Oxford Universities on Thursday and Friday respectively. On Saturday they faced Oxford Brookes ‘A’, last year’s victors. After a rapid start, Newcastle were out in front with Oxford Brookes hot on their tail, the crews battled neck and neck right to the line with Newcastle coming out on top by a foot, progressing to Sunday’s final for the second year in a row!
In the midst of sun and showers, Sunday’s final began at 15:20 against Rutgers University A, a strong crew coming from the USA with something to prove. Although Rutgers came away with the win, we couldn’t be prouder of Rachel and her crew, 2 x Henley Royal finalists, and BUCS gold medallists.
This HRR marks the end of Rachel’s time at Newcastle University where she has certainly left her mark in the club’s history. COBRA wish her all the best as she embarks on a new stage of her career, as this definitely won’t be the last time we see her on the Henley course. 💙

Another special mention of an outstanding performance goes to Graham Hunter, who is a valuable part of the men’s coaching team and Club Captain at Vesta Rowing club. Vesta made history on Friday at qualifiers. They not only pre-qualified their Wyfold IV but also qualified their ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ VIII+ in the Thames Challenge Cup.

Also well done to Kirsty Dalzell and crew in the Nottingham University ‘B’ VIII+ who fought for a spot in the Island Challenge Cup but unfortunately didn’t qualify for side by side racing.

This marks the end of the British Rowing calendar but look out for COBRA members competing over the summer in the Irish Championships and on the international stage.

Photo creds 📸: Sport Focussed