On Sunday 29th January, Leander Club took two development eights to race at Quintin Head. The course started at Chiswick Bridge and finished a few strokes after Hammersmith Bridge opposite Fulham Reach Boat Club.
Our women’s crew of Topp, Diaz, Bird, Hunt-Davis, Mckenzie, Ives, Smith, Dening Smitherman, and coxed by George Farthing raced confidently to take the win in the Championship Eights event against some strong club and university opposition.
Starting 104th out of the 300 crews racing meant we had crews of mixed ages and abilities ahead giving us several boats to overtake, this was fine thanks to some good coxing by George, and it made the race even more exciting in good conditions racing with a light tailwind.
Ross Hunter, Chief Women’s Coach said: “It was great to be back racing again after what seems like a long break of Christmas and flooded rivers. I’m pleased with how this crew performed today after a short time together.”
Setting off 12th, our gap year boys raced in the Championship event.
With the average age of the crew just 18 and many of them having never raced on the Tideway before ,this race was always going to be about gaining experience.
The crew raced well, and the provisional results showed us in 7th place overall, but unfortunately, we were awarded a 10-second penalty for doing firm pressure in the marshalling zone, moving us down to 16th.
We would like to thank the Quintin Rowing Club for running a great event and for all the volunteers for their time.
Huge thanks to Fulham Reach Boat Club for their hospitality allowing us to boat from their club and we look forward to returning soon for our Oxford and Cambridge fixtures and of course the WEHORR and HORR in March.
