Dubbed the ‘Henley of the North’, the 192nd Durham Regatta descends upon the River Wear this weekend, attracting rowing clubs from all over the UK for what’s often the pinnacle of their summer season. Saturday’s racing unfolds over a fast-paced 700m course. On Sunday, competitors will face both the short 700m sprint and the gruelling 1800m long course. This longer route includes the legendary Elvet Bridge, a formidable obstacle where the arches offer two feet of leeway for a coxed four, making precision steering paramount. This preview will focus on the ever-competitive and elite men’s races of the championship eights and fours.
Open Championship Eights
Newcastle University Boat Club consistently fields strong crews, and their presence at Durham Regatta is always keenly anticipated. For the 192nd edition of this historic event, NUBC will undoubtedly be looking to assert their dominance on the River Wear. Having demonstrated considerable depth throughout the season, their Durham-bound contingent will be aiming for top honours across various categories. Expect highly competitive entries from NUBC in the Championship Eights, where their blend of seasoned athletes and burgeoning talent will be a formidable force. Under the guidance of their coaching staff, led by the incredible Angelo Savarino, their crews will be meticulously prepared for the unique challenges of the Durham course, notably the notorious Elvet Bridge on the long course. Being led down the course this weekend by their own Orskov, keep a close eye on their performance; and following on from their epic success at BUCS Regatta 2025, NUBC will certainly be among the front-runners vying for silverware.
As the host institution, Durham University Boat Club always brings a formidable challenge to their home regatta, and the 192nd Durham Regatta will be no exception. Under the expert guidance of Head Coach Will Fletcher, DUBC is set to leverage their intimate knowledge of the River Wear to their advantage. All eyes will be on their lead oarsman, Clunies-Ross, whose power and experience will be crucial in setting the rhythm and pace for the top crews. DUBC traditionally fields highly competitive boats across all categories, from the Championship Eights down to the smaller boats. Their home-course advantage, combined with meticulous preparation under Coach Fletcher, will make them incredibly tough to beat. This collegiate squad has been on the up and up, with great results from last year’s Henley Royal, to continued success at HoRR and BUCS head and Regatta. Expect DUBC to be firmly in contention for multiple titles and to deliver some standout performances this weekend.
Tyne Amateur Rowing Club arrives at Durham Regatta with a reputation that has grown exponentially in recent years, solidifying their status as a genuine force in Northern rowing and beyond. Their Open Championship eight will be a crew to watch, brimming with the confidence of recent formidable achievements on the national stage. Tyne ARC has consistently punched above its weight at Henley Royal Regatta, with their senior crews making significant inroads, including strong performances in the Thames Challenge Cup and the Wyfold Challenge Cup, notably reaching the semi-finals in both in recent seasons. This experience of performing under pressure at the sport’s most prestigious event speaks volumes about the calibre and resilience of their athletes. This sustained growth is a testament to the dedication of their coaches and the increasing depth of talent within the club. Having established themselves as a club to beat throughout the Northern circuit, Tyne will be looking to carry their Henley momentum onto the River Wear. Their Championship eight will undoubtedly push for a dominant performance, aiming to reaffirm their standing as one of the country’s most exciting club programmes.
Open Championship Coxed Fours
The Open Championship Coxed Fours always promises a thrilling and technically demanding spectacle, and this year’s Durham Regatta will be no different. Among the top contenders, Durham University Boat Club aims to assert their home advantage, with their crew notably led by Wildridge. Wildridge, a rower with significant experience, including a strong showing at GB trials and as part of a powerful pair, as seen in recent BUCS Regatta previews, will undoubtedly be a key figure in DUBC’s quest for silverware in this category. Their intimate knowledge of the challenging River Wear course, particularly the crucial lines through Elvet Bridge, will be a significant asset.
However, the Championship Coxed Fours field is rarely a one-horse race. Expect fierce competition from other prominent university programmes like Newcastle University Boat Club, who consistently produce strong sweep fours, and other ambitious clubs from across the Northern region and beyond. NUBC always brings a blend of speed and aggression to any competition, and their entry in the Open Championship Coxed Fours will be no exception. Known for their strong sweep rowing programme and formidable rivalry with local counterparts, NUBC will be looking to challenge for the top spot. Having recently shown promising speed in earlier season heads and regattas, NUBC’s fours consistently demonstrate excellent boat feel and a powerful drive. They are known for their ability to deliver race-winning performances when it counts. Expect a technically polished crew from Newcastle, eager to lay down a marker on the River Wear. Their clash with Durham’s Wildridge-led crew, and potentially other strong university and club fours, promises to be one of the most exciting races of the weekend, a true battle for Northern supremacy in this highly competitive boat class.
Predictions
In these hotly contested battles of the North, I can’t see past the dominance of Newcastle University Boat Club in both races. I expect them to take home many wins this weekend, but with the strength of Durham University Boat Club and the potential of Tyne Amateur Rowing Club, it will not be a cakewalk for the gents this weekend. I wish the very best of luck to all crews.
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
