Henley Masters
4th August, 2025
Our Masters performance squad had been strengthened through the year and with Arnold on the coaching team, some technical progress had been made.
Time in the actual line ups had been limited (the D8+ boating the line up for the first time and the E8+ having had one outing) but the squad felt we had a decent chance.
The D8+ came up against Marin, over from the west coast of the US where they were rumoured to be national masters champions. We were dropped off the start and never really recovered to be beaten by a length and a quarter. They went on to win the event.
The E8+ took this on board and went for it off the start against Molsey, and led by a few feet after 200m. They moved a bit on us but the belief was strong in the crew and we found a good rhythm. They had half a length at 500m where we had another push to hold them. In the end we lost by a length to a very strong and experienced crew. They eventually lost in the final to- you guessed it Marin (who had made one seat change to make it for E8+.)
Holding Mosley was an exhilarating moment for all of us and a glimpse that perhaps we can complete at the highest level. Availability remains our achilles heel, with the range in people’s stage of life from young kids through to fully retired. We will regroup and go again! Come on Minerva!
Masters Mixed quad
A late decision in Henley’s regatta planning process to hold mixed racing opened up an opportunity for our established double Laura Cowan and Richard Thomas to form a mixed quad with Ching Kilby and Ian Burdis for the Masters F event (average age 60+).
On race day, we lined up against Wallingford in the semi finals. Wallingford managed to gain a small lead off the start, but we settled into our race rhythm and held them around half a length down. We held our form and raced well, but unfortunately we were unable to make any further impression on the Wallingford crew and finished 3/4 of a length behind. We raced far better than could be expected for the 2 practice outings we actually managed, so we were all very happy with the result.
Mixed racing at Henley Masters was a great success and hopefully mixed events will be offered next year and Minerva can send more entries and perhaps make a final or two. Also at Henley Masters were Minerva Masters Women double, Lorna and Heidi
