Ross Regatta 2025
- Alex Mitchell
- Aug 25, 2025
- 3 min read
Monmouth at Ross Regatta – 150 Years, Low Water, High Spirits!
Ross Regatta is always a firm favourite in the Monmouth calendar – two days of racing, sunshine (if we’re lucky), and the perfect way to close the main regatta season with our neighbours just up the Wye. This year was made even more special as Ross Rowing Club celebrated their 150th anniversary – quite the milestone! Things were looking touch-and-go beforehand, as weeks of little rain meant the river levels had dropped dangerously low. But with some nifty planning and a move upstream, Ross pulled off a fantastic weekend of racing.
And what a weekend it was…
Sunday Racing
The morning sun shone, the tea tent was buzzing, and Monmouth crews were straight into the action.
Division 1
WE2x – Lou T & Helen: A strong row against City of Bristol, but the Bristolians just edged it. A good effort nonetheless!
WF2x – Bonita & Liz L: With a 4-second handicap to fight back, they stormed down the course and almost did it – only missing out to Exeter by one foot! Talk about close.
E1x – Tim: Made it look easy, cruising through his semi before winning the final against Bridgnorth in style.
F1x – Mark Handicap? No problem. Mark powered through and took the win by a length over Bridgnorth.
Division 2
WF4+ – Lou, Helen, Paula, Liz L & cox Ewart: A slight wait for Bewdley to get organised (extra sunbathing time), then a solid row but just short of the win. Special mention to Lou – her first race at stroke – and Helen who swapped to bowside without missing a beat.
WD/E1x – Bonita: Took on a younger Exeter sculler, but despite a great start couldn’t quite hold the lead.
E4- – Ian, Julian, Tim & Mark: A straight final against Stourport and a convincing Monmouth win by two lengths.
Plenty of racing, plenty of sunshine, and plenty of smiles on shore too – thanks to all our supporters who came to cheer us on.
Monday Racing
Day two brought more sunshine and more racing – and even some debut performances.
WF/G1x – Liz L: Her first ever single race! With a handy 4-second head start, she won her semi against Exeter by a quarter length (nerve control of steel!). In the final, she met a very experienced Rob Roy sculler and, despite a valiant effort, couldn’t quite match the pace. A brilliant debut nonetheless.
WD/E2x – Louise T & Helen: Back on the water after Sunday, but up against strong Ross opposition – a solid race but not enough for the win.
WG/H2x – Frances & Liz L: Flush from her win at Gloucester, Frances swapped partners from Tim to Liz (no pressure then). An excellent semi win over Ross, even easing off in the last 100m. The final, however, saw Exeter show their experience, taking the win by a clear margin.
Op4+ – Old Monmothians (with MRC members): Facing Evesham in a semi, it came down to the tightest of margins – just a canvas! – with Evesham sneaking through. Great to see some of our younger members out on the race course flying the flag.
Final Thoughts
Huge thanks go to Tim & Helen for towing, to all our members and supporters who made the trip, and of course to Ross for hosting such a smooth and enjoyable regatta despite the river challenges. It was an honour to support our neighbours in their 150th year, and to round off the season in true Monmouth style – a mix of wins, near misses, and plenty of laughs.
Here’s to next year – with maybe a little more rain beforehand, please!
See you on the water.
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