Euro Masters Day One

Monmouth Rowing Club: European Masters Regatta – Day One Report from Lake Bled

With crystal-clear water, tree-covered mountains, and a picturesque island church looking like something from a postcard, Lake Bled in Slovenia provided the perfect backdrop for Day One of the European Masters Rowing Regatta. The weather turned it on too – a barmy 31°C, blazing sunshine, and barely a ripple on the lake made for near-perfect racing conditions.

Camp Monmouth

Monmouth Rowing Club hit the ground running, competing in 10 races and returning to shore with an impressive four gold medals and a silver – a strong start for the squad and a credit to everyone who made the journey.

Cooling off between races was essential, and the approved dips in the lake were both refreshing and well-used – especially appreciated when the breeze died away and the heat kicked in. As for the ever-present threat of Slovenian midges, some quick thinking helped out: a few of the ladies were grateful for the loan of some lightweight rowing trousers – though admittedly, they were a bit on the large side, giving off more of an Aldi special than “technical racing wear”!

Sue in the wrong trousers

Victories of the day

🏅 Tim and Mark – flying to gold in the E2-

🏅 Roger, in a composite crew, stormed to first in the G8+

🏅 Tim, again, this time solo, winning the D1x – and adding a silver in the hotly contested Super Final

🏅 Mark and Roger teamed up in the D2x and powered home to grab the fourth gold

Special mention has to go to Roger, who’s only recently joined the Monmouth squad but is already making waves (literally and figuratively). With his headband, flowing curls, and intensity on the water, he’s been affectionately dubbed our very own 1980s John McEnroe– and with performances like today’s, we cannot be more serious.

Roger and Mark in the Mens D2x

Tomorrow promises more action with another eight races lined up – and if today’s anything to go by, there’s plenty more to come from this determined and talented squad. As always special thanks to Tim for organizing all the crews and managing to win two golds himself.

Stay tuned for Day Two highlights – and keep those long trousers handy… just in case!

To follow the racing on YouTube visit the Euro Masters site.

See you on the water.