STRATFORD-upon-Avon Boat Club’s masters’ women joined 2,500 other women racing in the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race in London for the first time.
The race took place on the Tideway of the River Thames on International Women’s Day.
Stratford’s masters’ D crew started at the back of the first division as Rebecca England (stroke), Heather Hayton, Ellie Davis, Lin Hanson, Caroline Collins, Corinna Burger, Debbie Thompson and Gina Fusco with Jennifer Cary at cox took to the water.
The Stratford crew made a powerful start and quickly moved up the field to overtake Kingston Rowing Club.
The crew settled into a rhythm of 31 strokes per minute, looking to gain on the crew ahead of them while keeping an eye on the fast-approaching Broxbourne Rowing Club VIII behind them.
Cary steered the boat expertly at cox, as the Putney finish approached, to overtake another crew just before the finish line.
Stratford completed the 7km course in 23 minutes 16 seconds to place seventh out of 13 crews in their division.
Masters’ vice captain, Amanda Bowden said: “I am delighted to see the women’s development and training programme over the last three years has led to such a competitive performance on the Tideway.
“This is the largest women’s rowing race in the world and the crew performed brilliantly.
“To be placed midway through the Masters D category is amazing.
“Thank you to our coach, Sam Hill who has been instrumental in preparing the women’s squad for their races this season.
“The crew had a fantastic day, gaining valuable experience and now look forward to rowing the same Championship course in two weeks’ time in the Vesta International Masters Head of the River Race.”
Fusco added: “It was a truly amazing experience. Thank you to everybody for the support on and off the water in making this happen. It was simply brilliant.”
