This weekend, the River Wear will play host to the 191st Durham Regatta. Often referred to as the ‘Henley of the North’, it attracts clubs from all over the UK, with this event for some clubs being the highlight of the summer racing calendar. Racing is over both Saturday and Sunday, with the Saturday being a 700m dash down the iconic racecourse. Sunday has both short (700m) and long (1800m) course races, with long course races having to tackle the infamous Elvet Bridge. With the arches only being about 2 feet wider than a coxed four, the steers-people’s lines will have to be perfect. The top open events will be previewed here, with many historic rivalries being renewed. (* denotes long course)
Open Championship Eights – Sunday
Compared to recent years this entry of nine crews is one of the biggest seen. The main talking point is the two northern powerhouse universities, Newcastle and Durham, facing off once again. Crews such as Tyne RC and York University may pose a challenge, but I think the class of the aforementioned institutions will show though. The Newcastle eights may not be the top crews, so they may struggle to match the speed of the men in palatinate. The Durham University boat under ‘Reed’ will be their first eight; George Reed having sat in the top eight for three years now. I tip them to take the win in this event.
Open Elite A Eights – Saturday
The equivalent event on the Saturday has a smaller entry, but seems to be more open when it comes to picking a favourite. Sheffield University are the returning winners from 2023, but they will have to contend with the Durham University second eight, fresh of racing at the Metropolitan Regatta. Collingwood College are the dominant college crew from Durham, and will be looking to challenge Tyne RC for a spot in the final. The final crew in this field are Durham ARC, who have been rather unlucky to draw Durham University in the first round. My bet is on Durham University to win this one, but given it is only 700m, every race will be close.
Open Championship Coxed Fours* – Sunday
The oldest event at the regatta, with the Grand Challenge Cup dating back to 1854 being awarded to the winner. Only three crews have entered, with Durham University looking like the favourites. Tyne RC and Sunderland City with battle it out in the semi-final, but I do not think either of the crews have the horsepower to compete with the might of Durham.
Open College Coxed Fours* – Sunday
For many years this is the event that Durham University colleges train for during the summer season. In recent history this category has been dominated by two colleges. St Hild and St Bede College triumphed for five years in a row between 2014 and 2018, and then it has been dominated by Collingwood College ever since, with Hild and Bede being losing finalists three years in a row. Again this year it seems to be that the final will be played out between the rivals. Hatfield College will prove a challenge but after last weekend’s results at Hexham Regatta I predict a Collingwood versus Hild and Bede final, with Collingwood winning again.
Open Elite Coxed Fours – Saturday
This is the highest standard of open coxed fours on the Saturday and with eight entries, it proves to be an exciting battle. The crews entered are a mix of top college crews, and boats from Lancaster and Durham Universities. Again, Durham will be going into this event as favourites, but given it may not be their top athletes some of the college crews such as Collingwood and Grey may have a small chance if they get to the final. Lancaster University lost to Collingwood last weekend at Hexham, but could possibly challenge Durham if they race well.
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