Henley Masters Regatta 2025
- Alex Mitchell
- Jul 13, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 14, 2025
Monmouth Rowing Club at Henley Masters Regatta 2025: Victory and Near Misses.
Henley Masters Regatta once again provided a weekend of high-octane racing, close finishes, and memorable performances for Monmouth Rowing Club, with crews making their mark across multiple events.
Men's Squad: A Return to the Top of the Podium
The men’s squad fielded three crews this year, with standout success in the Men’s E4- (Nick, Ian, Tim and Mark), who claimed victory once again, defending the title they won last year. Facing a strong Wallingford crew in the final, Monmouth showed composure and power, crossing the line 1.5 lengths ahead in a commanding performance.
Bonita, our very own Eliza Doolittle, cheering on the Monmouth E4- in the final.
The F4+ (Cox Hannah, James, Toby, Simon and Paul) also produced an impressive row, taking on Upper Thames in the second round. They led for most of the race with a gutsy start and solid middle push, only to be heartbreakingly edged out on the line in the closing strokes. Still, it was a promising show of strength and potential.
Meanwhile, the F2- pair faced a tough draw against the highly regarded Marin Rowing Association from the USA. Despite a solid effort, the experience and speed of the American crew proved too much on the day.
Women’s Masters: Fighting Spirit and a Fantastic wins
The Women’s Masters E 8+ (Louise A, Sue S, Kate H, Dawn B, Paula N, Bonita B, Sara W, MJ and Cox Laura from Minerva...thank you) took to the water early on Friday morning against Marlow RC, with temperatures already climbing. Undeterred, the crew delivered one of the club’s standout performances of the weekend. A strong, settled start set the tone, and they maintained their lead all the way to the finish, clinching a superb 2 length victory.
The wait until their second race at 5:30pm brought its own challenge – staying cool and race-ready in the rising heat. Facing Pengwern BC (Shrewsbury), the Monmouth eight once again got off to a sharp start and led through the first 400m. But the Shrewsbury crew found their pace and came through in the second half to take the win by 1.5 lengths.
Saturday Racing: Grit and Guts in the Small Boats
Saturday featured two crews for the women: the WMas E 4-(Louise, Sue, Kate and MJ) and the WMas E 2x (Sara and Bonita).
The double were first up, drawing a formidable Tideway Scullers crew. Despite a valiant effort and determination to the line, Tideway's experience and polish showed, securing a comfortable win.
Shortly afterward, the 4- lined up against St Andrews BC, with MJ taking on the challenge of steering a coxless four for the first time in competition. The crew started well, matching St Andrews through the first half. However, a slight misjudgment saw them get too close to the booms, disrupting their rhythm and momentum. Though they fought hard to recover, the gap proved too much. It was shaping up to be a thrilling contest—until that moment.
A Regatta to Remember
Across all events, Monmouth Rowing Club showed resilience, passion, and flashes of brilliance. With one Henley medal brought home and several races going down to the wire, the club can be proud of a strong showing and plenty of experience gained for future regattas.
See you on the water.
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