16/06/2026
St Chad’s boat club had an excellent weekend of racing at this year’s Durham regatta Durham Regatta Nine boats were entered, and three placed second in their bands.
The weekend opened, despite a very powerful headwind along the course, with the mens 8+. This was the very first race of the regatta, and despite their valiant efforts, Chad’s lost by two lengths to a strong Cuths crew. Later that morning, the women had a very close race with Tyne, ultimately coming in half a length behind.
In the afternoon, the mens 4+ had a fun race against a very strong crew from Durham school. Following them was the women’s 4+, which smashed QEHS by three lengths, then Grey by two lengths, reaching the final. In that race, despite pulling out an early lead, a huge push from the John’s crew, aided by their brand-new boat, brought them across the line just a fraction of a second ahead.
On Sunday, the wind had settled, allowing the women’s 4+ to take to the Long Course against Trevelyan, beating them by two lengths and earning a place in the final. In that race, despite a very strong showing, Collingwood managed to take victory, giving Chad’s another silver medal.
In the afternoon, Greta took to the water in the single, rowing well against Leeds university but ultimately coming in second.
The womens 2V also raced, unfortunately losing to Collingwood. The day closed with the nov crews, where the women (who’d received an unlucky draw) lost to a John’s crew that later made it to the final. The novice men, having trained hard all year, won their first three races with excellent technique and powerful rowing, defeating crews from Mildert, Cuths, and Grey, and earning a place in a final. Unfortunately, despite a very close race, the victory went to Hatfield.
Overall, the whole of St Chad’s boat club had an excellent weekend at the 193rd Durham Regatta, rowing well and demonstrating an excellent team spirit.
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