The Morning Session
conditions: overcast, growing breeze
Dutch Delight
Race 3: Sydney R.C. (AUS) v K.A.R.Z.V. De Hoop (NED)
With it being only the second day of the Regatta, the Draw was unkind in pitching these two impressive crews in The Thames Challenge Cup up against each other so early. Both crews flew out of the start with De Hoop being the first to put their bow into the lead by the Barrier. Sydney were not going to go down without putting up a fight and continued to rate highly down the course. Entering the Enclosures, a slight upset in the balance of the Sydney boat checked their momentum, allowing De Hoop to surge to a length lead at the finish.
Brooke no quarter
Race 15: Oxford Brookes University v University of San Diego (USA)
With a very strong field this year in The Prince Albert Challenge Cup, it was always going to be a difficult mission for Oxford Brookes to retain their title for another year. Their opening challenge came from the West Coast of the USA in the form of the University of San Diego, who showed their intent to win right from the start. While Brookes were able to draw themselves back level, unlike in previous years, they were unable to continue this move to break away from San Diego. From the Fawley to the progress boards, both crews were locked together, coxes looking across, urging their crews to open up even the slightest lead. San Diego more readily brought up the rate as both crews powered towards the finish. With the assistance of the finish camera, it was possible to confirm that San Diego, had by 2ft, sent the current holders home early.
Boom Boom Pow
Race 31: Sydney R.C. (AUS) v Vesta R.C.
The Henley booms claim another scalp. Steering the HenleyRoyal Regatta course is a challenge for even the most experienced crews and the pressure is especially acute for those in events such as The Wyfold Challenge Cup, where the steering is controlled by one of the rowers. Expectations were high for this Vesta four, projected as one of the fastest boats they have produced in recent years. Unfortunately, their 2025 project shipwrecked itself on the unforgiving booms lining the course coming out of the Island. Sydney will be thankful to escape what was predicted to be a tough race for both crews.
The Afternoon Session
Conditions: sunny, cooling breeze
Sauga- tuck Wallingford away
Race 40: Wallingford R.C. v Saugatuck R.C. (USA)
In this heat of The Prince Philip Challenge Trophy, Wallingford leapt out of the start, taking advantage of Saugatuck having to adjust their steering off the end of The Island. Saugatuck demonstrated their raw power to pull themselves to a small lead at the Barrier. As they passed Remenham, Saugatuck made a decisive move to move half a length ahead. Wallingford remained composed and looked to respond. The women from Saugatuck, however, continued to hold their lead across the line, having been pushed all the way down the course.
A Faint Ignatius
Race 41: St Ignatius’ College (AUS) v Hampton School
Expectations were high for this heat of The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup. St Ignatius came into the event as one of the most promising crews to have made the long journey from Australia, while Hampton School has re-emerged in 2025 as a top schoolboy programme in the UK. Hampton flew off the stakeboats, reaching the Barrier one second behind record pace. St Ignatius dug deep to hold on as best they could, but Josh Butler’s young men continued to extend their lead in an impressive display of sweep oarsmanship.
Tide turns on Scullers
Race 56: Tideway Scullers School v Newport Aquatic Centre (USA)
Tideway Scullers started with intent in this heat of The Prince Philip Challenge Trophy, with a punishingly fast start. Newport remained cool and, passing Upper Thames Rowing Club, hit the front with a powerful move. Tideway continued to throw attacks against the tight Newport lead all the way into the Enclosures but ran out of water to close the gap.
The Evening Session
Conditions: bright sunshine, steady tailwind
Holy Cross-ed off
Race 68: Oxford Brookes University ‘A’ v College of the Holy Cross (USA)
Oxford Brookes have maintained a firm grip over The Temple Challenge Cup since 2021, winning the last three editions of this Trophy for student men’s eights. Holy Cross did not make the trip across the Atlantic to go down easily, though. Off the start, they matched the Oxford Brookes crew and continued to over-rate their opposition. The Brookes crew slowly opened out their lead to a length, maintaining a controlled rate of 34. Holy Cross continued to raise their rate into the finish line, however, the holders crossed the line rating 34 with the slightest of overlap.
Bristol beat Boston
Race 77: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) v University of Bristol
Bristol took the initiative early in this race of The Island Challenge Cup and established a one-length lead. The crew from M.I.T. kept the pressure on Bristol, who were unable to let off the gas. While they maintained their one-length advantage, Bristol was clearly relieved when they finally crossed the finish line.
A D-angerous Crew
Race 78: Oxford Brookes University ‘D’ v Caius B.C. & Robison College, Cambridge
It is rare to ever see a ‘D’ crew qualify for an event at Henley Royal Regatta. However, in an impressive display of the quality of the Brookes rowing programme, they qualified four boats for The Temple Challenge Cup for the second year in a row. This fourth-ranked eight was able to surpass expectations to cruise to a clear victory over a tidy Cambridge college crew.
