Hamble River Raid 2025

It was a fickle wind that blew the Fosters Westwards to the Hamble River on Friday 16th May.

Following negotiations with the Harbour master they set up camp in their Colvic Countess 28, "Bongiourno" on the Hamble Jetty, a scenic and convenient base, close to the start line from which the DQ ladies rowing crew could co-ordinate their Hamble River Raid Rowing Regatta endeavours in 'Seafox' the DQ Celtic longboat the following day.

Saturday 17th brought blue skies and sunshine, great conditions for the event which comprised a fleet of around 50 boats of all descriptions from the heavy, wooden Cornish Gigs to quad kayaks and Outriggers.

Our ladies Sarah Haig, Ally Forrest, Nikki Buchanan and Sarah Shewring coxed by Iain Campbell set off to a good start, despite a strong cross tide from the start line and building wind. They completed the course in 48 minutes 21 seconds. No silverware on this occasion with ladies line honours for Celtic Long Boats taken by CYC but a creditable performance, none the less.

Dell Quay were also well represented amongst other crews, with appearances from Richard Bland and Rob Thomson, both guesting as rowers for Langstone and Richard Weavis as cox for CYC ladies.

Warm evening sunshine aboard 'race base' where we were joined by DQRC (Rowing) Martin Moss with 'apres row' beverages and nibbles, prepared by Sarah Shewring brought a pleasant day to an equally pleasant conclusion.

Our next rowing event is the Cockleshell challenge on 19th July.

Anyone interested in training and racing Celtic Long Boats should contact Race Captain Nigel Foster at lead.rowers@dellquaysc.co.uk.