Landmark victory for DQ rowers on at the Cockleshell Challenge

Published 12:53 on 21 Jul 2025

A landmark victory for DQ rowers on Saturday 19th July at the Cockleshell Challenge, hosted by Eastney Cruising Association when a mixed crew of Men and Ladies in our Celtic Longboat, "Seafox" took on all comers and won!

Our mixed crew, comprising of Cox, Iain Campbell and rowers Sarah Haig, Andrew Graham, Nigel Foster and Ally Forrest set out to defend the men's "1st across the line" trophy of 2024.

Attending the event were clubs from the 3 harbours and beyond, including representation from armed forces veterans.

Competitors included men's, mixed and ladies crews in a variety of boats from 6 oared Pilot Gigs to Bursledon Gigs Celtic Longboats and Solent Galleys, all competing under the auspice of the well established Ouse Yardstick handicap. The line up included 28 boats.

Unsettled weather which preceded the event cleared to produce near perfect conditions and racing over the 7.2 mile course was underway on schedule at 12.00.

Seafox set off in the third wave of vessels crossing the start line and set about the business of hunting down the opposition. A well established formula of a consistently high stroke rate saw a steady stream of overtakes and by the half way mark Seafox headed the field.

With a relatively strong lead established it was a case of maintaining pace for the back half of the race and demonstrating the fortitude for a strong finish at the end. Despite surges from Langstone men in Sweare Deep, also a Celtic Longboat the solid Seafox crew achieved both those goals and crossed the finish line in 1 hour 24 minutes, around 4 minutes quicker than the DQ men's win in 2024.

This was the first time DQ have entered an endurance event as a mixed crew and it couldn't have gone better. 1st across the line, Fastest elapsed time, 1st on corrected handicap time and fastest mixed crew! An excellent day's work!

Our next event is the Tudor Challenge at Tudor Sailing Club on 9th August when our men's crew will be defending their 2024 win. Supporters will be most welcome!

The DQ Row Challenge group is keen to recruit new rowers who aspire to racing. Any current or new members wishing to give it a try should contact Nigel Foster.

Nigel Foster.
DQ rowing.
Race Captain.