Friday! Race Day!

Coach Pat
Jun 17, 2022
2 min read

The 2022 Henley Women's Regatta kicked off today with the time trial for our two eights in the Colgan Cup. Both crews raced brilliantly just after 9AM under perfect conditions and progressed in the top 16 crews (out of 30) to race the first round in the afternoon, where a win against your opponent is needed to progress to round 2.

This afternoon, temps here were near 90F, with low humidity and a strong southerly wind. The 2V drew a blazingly fast NUI Galway Boat Club crew from Ireland. Despite a hard fought race into a raging headwind, Galway bested them. We are very pleased with this crew's progression through time trials and into the first round. They are a relatively young crew and were punching over their heads. Bravo 2V, bravo! Well rowed. We are intensely proud of your determination and showing at this premier international regatta!

The 1V was among the top 8 in time trial and drew Bath University from the west of England in round 1. Bath was no match for the US DIII National Champs, and fell easily to our seasoned, kinda' vicious, crew. Vicious indeed....

The 1V progresses to race round two, a historical event for WPI WoCrew as we have never made it past round 1 at HWR! They will battle Galway at 11:59AM Saturday GST (that's 6:59AM back home), in race number 121. Please set your alarms and tune in to watch! It will be very competitive racing, and we are more confident than ever this crew will bring their best to the Henley reach tomorrow!

Tomorrow's forecast is for much cooler temps in the 70's, with a possible rain shower and a tailwind from the northeast. We are all excited and focused on Team WPI racing their best race. Tally Freakin' Ho Baby!!!! GO TECH!!

Several families of our rowers have been able to make it over in person to support and cheer our crews. It's fantastic seeing everyone! Thanks everyone for your continued outpouring of support, both live and virtually!! It's been amazing and truly makes a difference!

Today's photos are thin at the moment, but when I get a chance to pull pics off the big camera, will add them. I have some great shots of the 2V taken from the umpire launch following the race.

Cheers!

Coach Pat