Spitfire at Huntingdon Regatta 2024

Manuel Marques July 9, 2024 Racing

After a series of cancelled events, Spitfire Rowing Club eagerly participated in our first regatta of the year at Huntingdon. This event was particularly special as it marked the return of Huntingdon’s regatta, which had not been held since 1989.

Early Start, Smooth Arrival

Division 1 of the event began at 08:30, making it an early start for our Spitfire crews. Despite this, we arrived at the friendly Cambridgeshire waters without any issues. Special kudos to Spitfire Chair Tom, who expertly handled his boat trailering debut, perfectly manoeuvring into an HGV space at the services.

A very early start for the East Kent crew! Thankfully, the light mornings help…

Spot the intruder! ???? Tom did a fantastic job reversing the trailer into the parking space, especially since this was his very first time doing so with the club’s trailer!

Key Highlights and Performances

Joining us was the University of Kent RC’s new director of rowing, Charlie Forster. Charlie competed in the Band 1 Op 1x event and later joined us for a composite 8+ race. Although he had a close race in his semi-final, he narrowly missed qualifying for the final.

Lucy Abbott, one of our 2023 Learn-to-Row graduates now racing for Maidstone Invicta, teamed up with LTR Coordinator Mark Latymer in a mixed 2x. Despite being a newly formed crew, Lucy and Mark performed admirably, navigating the winding course with skill and avoiding any mishaps that plagued other crews throughout the day. However, they faced a formidable Cantabrigian crew, who ultimately proved stronger and went on to win the overall event.

Club Captain Manny and Chair Tom, who last raced together in 2021 at the Sudbury regatta, reclaimed their winning form in the Op 2x. Despite a slow start, they recovered and won by 1 ½ lengths.

Manny and Tom powering through to winning their event, narrowly beating the home crew over a hard-fought race.

In the mixed coxless quad event, club secretary Michèle joined Lucy, Tom, and Manny. Although they had a strong row, they couldn’t overcome a fast start from the Huntingdon crew.

The smiling Mx 4x- crew on their way to their race against Huntingdon. *(photo by Mark Latymer)*

Michèle and Mark Latymer later competed in a Masters mixed double race against St Ives. Mark skillfully steered the boat through the winding course. Immediately after, Mark joined our final event of the day, the composite 8+ with Manny, Charlie from UKRC, and oarsmen from Huntingdon and St Ives.

Michèle and Mark powering through the finish line in their Masters mixed double. Shortly after finishing, Mark jumped into the ‘3’ seat of the composite 8+ – no time to lose!

The 8+ race was particularly meaningful for the Huntingdon stroke, Edward Adams, as it was sponsored by his family in memory of his late father, Graham – who was also a Huntingdon rower, having served as captain, treasurer and club chair for over 60 years. The Huntingdon/Spitfire/University of Kent/St Ives composite crew had a fast start and maintained a high stroke rate, eventually outpacing the Newark crew despite their persistent challenge.

The winning composite 8+ crew, from bow to stern – including rowers from St Ives RC, Spitfire BC, University of Kent RC, and Huntingdon BC. *(photo by Tom Hurst)*

A Day to Remember

Overall, the Huntingdon regatta was a brilliant experience. Despite torrential downpours at lunchtime, which highlighted our need for a club gazebo, the weather was mostly fine, with light winds and mild temperatures providing good rowing conditions. Tom continued to impress with his trailering skills, navigating us out of a boggy field without the need for a rescue tractor, much to the admiration of those with larger vehicles.

We look forward to returning to Huntingdon for more smooth, stress-free racing in such a beautiful setting with friendly participants.

Well done to all who participated and contributed to making this a memorable event.