Head of the Ouse 2025

The Head of the Ouse (HOTO) is an annual race covering a scenic 10km stretch of the River Ouse from the port at Newhaven to Lewes and back. The event comprises two races; an open race for men's and mixed crews upriver and a women's race back down as the tide begins to ebb. HOTO is open to all types of fixed seat rowing craft with the boats setting off at intervals and timed results adjusted according to the Ouse Yardstick - levelling the playing field.

DQSC has had significant success in Seafox at the HOTO with the men being the fastest Celtic last year, the women second and the men and women's combined times resulting in a 1 second victory, from a total field of 14.

On Saturday 27th September 2025 it was our turn - two crews who had never raced together before, and for me my very first race! In the men's boat were Chris White, Andrew Buchanan, James Hooper and stroke Richard Bland with Nikki Buchanan as cox. The women's team were Jennifer Webb, Sarah Shrewing, Sharon Crouch and stroke Nikki Buchanan with Richard Bland as cox.

The upstream leg for the men was challenging with limited overtaking opportunities, so they did amazingly well to get past slower boats and post a great time (46m 43s). For the women the wind and tide weren't as kind to us as we were hoping! We kept on pushing and managed to attain a very respectable time (63m 4s).

While not achieving the dizzying heights of previous years, with a larger field in 2025, both teams posted respectable results. We were the third fastest Celtic in the combined times competition - and very pleased to get a mention at the prize giving. In the Masters category the men were the 1st placed Celtic and the women 2nd. Our men's came 7th out of 25 boats with the women also finishing 7th out of 22 boats (Ouse Yardstick applied).

So all in all, while we had no trophies to return to the clubhouse we gave a good account of ourselves and team spirit was high.

So much work went into what was a fantastic event; so particular thanks to the four collaborating clubs, Lewes Rowing Club, Affinity Rowing Club, Lewes Pilot Gig Club and Newhaven Rowing Club. Also a big thank you to all the other competitors and all the winners, very well deserved. Rowing really is a welcoming and friendly sport, yes it's competitive and crews want to win, but the support and help given by all is amazing, and it really is the taking part that counts.

Sharon Crouch (rookie rower)