Multiple clubs wallow in wins as Cambridge Autumn Regatta is hailed a success

Rowers come from far and wide to take part in Cambridge 99-organised event

Considerable success was achieved by the city’s clubs at the annual Cambridge Autumn Regatta, organised by Cambridge 99 Rowing Club.

Around 340 crews took part in the event, from across the county and beyond, from London, Nottingham and Worcester, with an eclectic mix ranging in age from 12 to 70.

City of Cambridge rowers earned triumphs in the women’s J17 single sculls, the J17 double sculls and Mixed Band 2 double sculls.

Chesterton won the women’s Masters B/C coxed fours, while Rob Roy took victory in the women’s J14 single sculls.

Cantabrigian entered 21 crews and they earned five wins, including two for the Hills Road Sixth Form squad, who started the new academic year in style.

Alex Hunjan stroked the crew of Phil Sosnin, Jed Beynon, Sonny Osman, James P Levick, Joel Thompson, Jeremy Austin and Robert Steyn to beat Devils Elbow RC in the Open Band 2 eights by four feet.

New Hills Road captain Sosnin then joined Steyn in a J18 double scull, and they beat a crew from Broxbourne by three feet in the final.

Cantabs’ Hills Road coach Andy Johnson said: “Of course I was pleased with two wins but in particular really pleased to see that the boys showed that in competitive races against worthwhile opponents they showed the combative edge to make it a win.”

Further afield, there was also plenty of success for other crews from the county. St Ives won the mixed eights and the Open Band 2 (A) singles sculls; Isle of Ely triumphed in the women’s J15 single sculls and women’s J15 coxed quads; and Huntingdon had victories in the J16 Band 2 double sculls, the Open Band 2 quads and the Open Band 1 double sculls.

Peterborough City had 19 wins from their 39 crews.

With many races going to the wire, and one dead heat resulting in a re-row, the umpires were kept on their toes, especially as the gusty conditions caused a few boats to stray from their lane.

St Ives sculler David Welch was one such participant as he moved into his opponent’s lane but had not been warned so was not disqualified. He rowed the race again, and won by three lengths.

“Every year we get great support from clubs in Cambridge and the surrounding region,” said Lianne Stanford, chair of the organising committee.

“There are not many regattas run on the Cam and we are proud to host the only British Rowing regatta in the city.

“We are also delighted that so many juniors attend our event, especially from clubs outside of the region. For many competitors this is their first ever side-by-side race.”