Niamh joins our Board with a strong background advising organisations on governance, strategy and board effectiveness.

Alongside her professional expertise, she is an active competitive rower at Molesey Boat Club, giving her valuable insight into the realities of club rowing and the essential role a national governing body plays in supporting both participation and performance.

Diana Hunter, Chair of British Rowing, said: “I am looking forward to working with Niamh. Her wealth of governance experience, passion for rowing and enthusiasm for widening its participation will help us all deliver against our key priorities for our sport.”

Niamh’s appointment reflects our continued commitment to ensuring the voice of the rowing community is represented at Board level.

The post Niamh Corbett appointed as Independent Non‑Executive Director on the British Rowing Board appeared first on British Rowing.

On Friday 3 April 2026, eight mixed crews of young rowers drawn from fourteen London state schools took to the Thames for the third annual Youth Boat Race, competing over the opening section of the historic Boat Race Course in one of the most celebrated days in the youth outreach calendar.

Supported by the Oxford and Cambridge Rowing Foundation (OCRF), and hosted by , the event opened the iconic Putney-to-Mortlake course to a new generation, with almost 100 student athletes – many of them brand new to the sport – racing side-by-side on the same stretch of river that hosted the CHANEL J12 Boat Race the next day.

Earlier in the week, Fulham Reach BC also hosted the inaugural Adaptive Boat Race Challenge, where sepsis survivor Becky Coleman rowed the full 6.8km Championship Course in just 33 minutes.

The day began with safety briefings before crews launched from Fulham Reach BC and completed time trials to set the draw for racing, with only eight seconds separating all the crews. Four side-by-side races followed, with the first seeing a brief clash between crews before the racing settled into a thrilling series of contests, where every race finished with crews overlapping.

Every duel was met with roars from over 100 parents, supporters and friends of the schools taking part; a fitting reward for athletes who had trained hard and raced with everything they had.

The Youth Boat Race sat at the heart of a full day of action on the Tideway, with the Lightweight and Veteran Boat Races also taking place on the same day, and Oxford and Cambridge crews practising nearby ahead of Saturday’s event. Parents and supporters could follow the action from along the Fulham embankment, while Channel 4 and FilmNova filmed a segment on the event for their Boat Race day coverage.

For many of the young rowers, simply being on the water was the culmination of months of commitment. For schools new to the event, it was a first taste of competitive rowing; for returning crews, a chance to go one better than the year before. Racing the Championship Course, on the eve of one of sport’s most famous contests, gave every athlete a sense of occasion that extended well beyond the finish line.

The atmosphere along the bank was electric, with supporters, teachers, and local dignitaries cheering the eight crews home. Medal presentations and celebrations rounded off the day – a memorable occasion for athletes, coaches, and schools alike.

Adam Freeman-Pask, CEO of FFulham Reach BC, reflected on the occasion: “The Youth Boat Race is always a great day, and this year was no exception. To see eight crews out on the water, representing their schools and their communities with such pride and determination, is exactly what the Youth Boat Race is all about. This event is a testament to what young people can achieve when they are given the opportunity, the coaching, and the belief that this sport belongs to them too. Every crew on the water today demonstrated our values: teamwork, resilience, and the courage to race. We are incredibly proud of every one of them.”

The Deputy Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham, Daryl Brown, added: “It’s mesmerising. I’m so impressed by the students. The teamwork they develop on and off the water is so unique, and an opportunity that most of them would never otherwise have.”

A teacher at Hammersmith Academy described the transformation he had witnessed in her students: “They’ve gotten so much more independent and confident through this process. We’re seeing a completely different side to the kids.”

The young athletes themselves were equally enthusiastic. One participant reflected: “It’s really invigorating, and it’s so good because it’s a whole-body sport. It was so nice to get a much closer bond with everyone in our boat. I’m still so excited about today. It was so much fun!”

A parent commented: “The first thing my daughter said to me when I arrived was ‘this makes me want to do more of it’.”

Participating Schools:

• Kensington Aldrige Academy
• Sacred Heart High School
• Hammersmith Academy
• Cardinal Vaughn Memorial School
• Fulham Boys School
• West London Free School
• Fulham Cross Girls School
• Holland Park
• Wimbledon College
• Graveney School
• St Richard Reynolds Catholic College
• Ursuline High School
• Richmond Park Academy
• Newham Schools

The post Eight crews make history in third year of the Youth Boat Race appeared first on British Rowing.

To enter the draw, please just fill in the form below.

The draw closes at 9am on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.

Not a member?

No problem! British Rowing membership starts at just £25/year, so join or renew today and you can enter this – and future – member draws to win an exciting variety of rowing-related prizes.

Terms and Conditions

• British Rowing will choose one winner from 9am on 5 May 2026. Entries received after this time will not be considered.
• Entrants into the Prize Draw shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions.
• Only individuals with an active British Rowing membership can enter the competition.
• Only one entry per member will be accepted.
• Employees of British Rowing and their family members may not enter the Prize Draw.
• The winners will be chosen at random. The prize is non-exchangeable, non-transferable and is not redeemable for cash or other prizes.
• The winner will be informed by email. If a winner does not respond within 14 days, then their prize may be forfeited and British Rowing may select another winner.
• If a winner rejects their prize or their entry is invalid or in breach of these Terms and Conditions then the winner’s prize will be forfeited and British Rowing will be entitled to select another winner.
• Promoter: British Rowing Ltd, 6 Lower Mall, London W6 9DJ.

The post British Rowing Member Prize Draw – April 2026 appeared first on British Rowing.

A split podium for this year’s CHANEL J12 Boat Race, as Oxford’s Women took the title for the first time in nine years and Cambridge retained the victory they’ve held since 2022 in the Blues Boat races. Today’s challenge was not just Oxford vs Cambridge, but all eight crews against the Tideway conditions.

Read on to see how it all happened!

Women’s Boat Race: Oxford wins by 3 lengths in a time of 19:15

In the first race of the day, Cambridge won the coin toss and elected to start on the Surrey station with Oxford on Middlesex.

Both crews got out to a firey start and with margins too close to call, it was Oxford who edged ahead by a canvas at the end of the Embankment. By Fulham Football Club, the Dark Blues had extended to half a length.

Approaching Hammersmith Bridge, Oxford’s rhythm and momentum from their season began to kick in. The lead stretched from a length, then a length and a half, to two as they came past Hammersmith Bridge.

As the crews approached the Eyot, and the battle against the Tideway began, the Light Blues took the decision to head to the bank. The decision of stream or shelter was taken differently by both crews. Oxford initially kept trudging through the bad conditions, but quickly followed Cambridges decision to tuck in on the Middlesex bend before it was too late. Cambridge had retaken a length to the dark blues from their quick decision making.

The wind against tide was testing for both crews in this stretch, but Oxford remained calm, sharp and long in the water. They continued to build, moving out to three lengths and then four. Holding their advantage to the bandstand as both crews ducked to the Surrey side, Oxford executed the final bend and turned the tide for the first time in 9 years.

Oxford Women’s President and Olympic bronze medallist Heidi Long said: “I’m absolutely over the moon. I couldn’t be prouder of this whole team and the whole of Oxford University BC, including those that have come before us. Today is a great day and it’s always a good day to be a Dark Blue.”

Women’s Reserve Race: Cambridge wins

Blondie (Cambridge) vs Osiris (Oxford) kicked off shortly after and followed a similar suit as the Women’s Boat Race, but with the Light Blue’s showing a dominant performance over the Dark Blues.

Osiris won the coin toss and chose the Surrey side with Blondie on the Middlesex. Both crews fought a good fight out the start and stayed side by side for the first part of the race.

Stroke seat of Blondie, Eloise Etherington, said: “Conditions picked up a lot round the bend and our cox Lauren did a great job cutting in where we could”. Osiris stayed in the fight in the first half, but Cambridge broke clear and lead the dark blues through the chop.

Lucy Harvard, 2 seat expressed how challenging the conditions were: “It was very very challenging, not conditions we have every day on the Tideway, and definitely the worst conditions we’ve had leading up to this race”.

Blondie stayed long and sharp in the conditions, turning the Tideway back to Light Blue as they won their race.

Men’s Reserve Race: Cambridge wins

In one of the most dominant displays of the day, the flag dropped for the Men’s reserve race; Goldie vs Isis. Isis won the coin toss and elected for the day’s favourite station: Surrey. The Goldie crew, stroked by 24’ Blue Boat winner Matt Edge showed how his experience and how much depth the squad has.

Goldie won the race by a sizeable margin.

Men’s Boat Race: Cambridge wins by 3.5 lengths in a time of 17:57

Oxford’s Dark Blues won the Men’s Boat Race coin toss, electing to start on Surrey, leaving Cambridge’s men to take the Middlesex station.

The race was closer than the rowing community were perhaps expecting, with both crews rocketing off the start and remaining within a few lengths of each other for at least half of the 6.8km Championship Course.

Cambridge used their inside advantage early as they raced towards Fulham Football Club, and were pulling ahead before the crews reached the end of the Putney Embankment. Oxford were repeatedly warned for steering, but their gritty race plan meant they weren’t far behind the Light Blues, and began to gain on them as the boats navigated the Surrey bend.

Cambridge led through Hammersmith Bridge, but Oxford didn’t let up in the second half of the battle, and it was Cambridge’s turn to be warned for steering.

Cambridge approached Chiswick Bridge to take the final victory of the day for the Light Blues.

“The culture of rowing at Cambridge is so strong – guys in my class who don’t row have even been talking about it!” said five seat Gabriel Obholzer. “From college crews all the way to the university crews will be so happy to see we won three out of four today.”

Lightweight Women’s Boat Race: Cambridge wins

Taking place the day before the heavyweight racing, Cambridge claimed a convincing victory over Oxford in the Lightweight Women’s Boat Race.

From the start, Cambridge established their authority, taking an early lead past Thames Rowing Club and extending it through Fulham Football Club.

Despite Oxford’s determination to keep pace, challenging conditions around Hammersmith Bridge and choppy water tested both crews. Cambridge responded, gradually moving clear to a five-length advantage by Chiswick Steps.

Oxford attempted a late surge but were unable to close the gap. Cambridge crossed the line seven lengths ahead to take the win.

Lightweight Men’s Boat Race: Cambridge wins

Cambridge secured their second commanding victory of the Lightweights in the Men’s race, also crossing the line seven lengths ahead.

The contest began closely, with Cambridge taking an early half-length lead and Oxford responding to draw level by Fulham Football Club. Approaching

Hammersmith Bridge, a warning disrupted Oxford, allowing Cambridge to regain the advantage.

Choppy water challenged both crews but by Barnes Bridge, the tide had turned decisively, with Cambridge extending their lead across the line.

The post Oxford Women turn the tide whilst Cambridge retain all other titles at the 2026 CHANEL J12 Boat Race appeared first on British Rowing.

“Today has been a huge milestone for accessible sport,” said Adam Freeman-Pask, CEO of

Becky Coleman is a sepsis survivor, and it was her vision to become the first wheelchair user to row the full Boat Race course, using arms-only rowing. She completed that vision on Thursday, 2 April, when she rowed almost 7km almost half her target time.

“I’ve watched the Boat Race many times but never imagined rowing would be something accessible to me.”

Two years ago, Becky developed life-threatening sepsis, resulting in a long and complex recovery. The illness affected her brain and multiple bodily systems, requiring her to relearn fundamental skills including speaking, reading and typing. For months, everyday environments were overwhelming, and routine activities such as crossing the road or navigating public transport became significant challenges.

A keen sportsperson before her illness, Becky discovered Fulham Reach BC in April 2025. The Hammersmith-based Sport for Good charity offers inclusive and accessible rowing opportunities.

“Fulham Reach BC provided a wonderful and inclusive environment which enabled me to thrive,” Becky said. “Rowing has supported my recovery by helping my brain re-coordinate post-sepsis while giving me a sport for life. It’s allowed me to get outside, enjoy nature and experience all the benefits of physical activity.”

Now a regular on the Thames in London, Becky has become a pioneer of accessible fixed-seat rowing on the Championship Course – one she has long admired, having lived at both its start and finish.

“I am super excited to row the Championship Course as the first arms-only rower to take it on,” she said before her race. “I’ve watched the Boat Race many times but never imagined rowing would be something accessible to me.”

Becky raced in a double scull alongside Denise Martin Van Meurs, the club’s Accessibility Lead Coach, with Tracy Corbett as cox. Four other crews featuring adaptive rowers also took part in the event, which was designed to open the iconic 6.8km Thames course to adaptive athletes for the very first time.

Reflecting on the conditions, Becky said: “The start was choppy and challenging, but it eased as we approached Hammersmith Bridge. The crowds and support really lifted our spirits.” Crowds on the bridge included Fulham Reach BC supporters, joined by participants from the club’s Free Watersport Week.

Cox Tracy Corbett steered the fastest line around the Chiswick bend towards the bandstand, as Becky found her rhythm and summoned a final burst of energy through the Barnes stretch. The crew maintained strong pace all the way to the finish line at Chiswick Bridge. Having trained for an effort of around an hour and set a target time of under 60 minutes, the crew crossed the finish line in just 33 minutes, nearly half their projected time. It is believed to be the fastest adaptive completion of the course on record.

The broader ambition is for this challenge to establish a new tradition: an Adaptive Boat Race on the Championship Course. Adam Freeman-Pask, said  “We are excited to be leading the way with this sporting milestone and increasing the accessibility of the sport of rowing. Becky has been instrumental in helping our charity grow in this area”.

Through the challenge, Becky raised over £2,500, a remarkable result that will help both the and Fulham Reach BC continue vital work. Proceeds will support Fulham Reach BC’s charitable programmes, including Accessible Rowing, Boats Not Bars (reducing reoffending), and Youth Development, while also raising awareness of the long-term impact of sepsis.

Adam is hopeful that Becky’s actions will inspire others to  “We are so proud of Becky’s achievement today and I’m sure it will inspire more people with disabilities to feel like rowing is something they can give a go!”

Adaptive rowing is growing from strength to strength in the UK. Find out more about getting involved in adaptive rowing here, and if you think you might have what it takes to make it to the Paralympic podium, find out more about joining our Para Squad now! 

The post Sepsis survivor rows the 6.8km Oxford Cambridge Boat Race course in just 33 minutes appeared first on British Rowing.

On Saturday 4 April, the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge will once again battle it out side-by-side along the historic racing from Putney to Mortlake, in one of the biggest sporting events in the world: the Men’s and Women’s . In 2025, three million people tuned in to watch Oxford and Cambridge battle it out on the Tideway, and the race returns again this weekend with similar numbers expected.

With Olympic, international, and home-grown student athletes in both crews, the standard of racing is expected to be exceptionally high. GB rower and Olympic bronze medallist, Heidi Long, will stroke the Oxford Women’s Blue Boat, bringing invaluable experience and energy to the crew and GB rower, Harry Geffen, will stroke the Men’s Blue Boat.

Cambridge has held victories over the last several years in the Men’s and Women’s Boat Races and currently leads the overall results tally by 88-81 and 49-30, respectively. Cambridge also holds both course records. The Men’s Boat Race record was set by Cambridge in 1998, in a time of 16 minutes 19 seconds. The Women’s Boat Race record was set by Cambridge in 2017, in a time of 18 minutes 33 seconds.

Millions of people will tune into the CHANEL J12 Boat Race this weekend, and thousands will line the riverbank supporting the crews. Follow our handy guide to find the best places where to watch the racing on the bank, and find all the information on where to stream the race.

The 2026 CHANEL J12 Boat Race dates and details

Date: Saturday, 4 April 2026

13:30: Chanel 4 coverage starts

14:21: 80th Women’s Boat Race

14:31: Osiris vs Blondie Boat Race

14:51: Isis vs Goldie Boat Race

15:21: 171st Men’s Boat Race

Start line: Putney Bridge

Finish line: Chiswick Bridge

Distance: 6.8km

Fan Zones

If you don’t want to face the hustle and bustle of the riverbank but still want to experience the atmosphere, head to one of the free Boat Race official fan zones in or . The fan zones will have a giant screen displaying the race, and easy turnaround access to watch the crews race past. The fan zones will be open from 1100 to 1700, and the spaces are both open for you to take your own food, drink and picnic blanket. Furnivall Gardens in Hammersmith have a variety of street food and refreshments available from outlets.

The river bank

Hammersmith Bridge and Barnes Bridge will be closed between 1100 and 1700 to pedestrians and cyclists on the day.

Putney Bridge

From Putney Bridge, you’ll get the best view of the start and see the crews race around the Fulham bend. You’ll be able to head to Bishop’s Park in the Fulham fan zone to watch the rest of the action on the big screen.

Putney Embankment – south side

The Putney Embankment is the focal point for rowing clubs, and some clubs will be offering tickets on the door for a top viewing spot on one of their balconies. Continue up the path right the way to Hammersmith Bridge and find a spot between the trees to watch the race go by.

Fulham Reach – north side

Just before Hammersmith Bridge, you’ll find Fulham Reach BC, with plenty of space on the Thames Path for spectators. The Blue Boat pub next door is on hand to offer refreshments while you watch the race.

Chiswick Pier – north side

Situated by the infamous Surrey Bend, could this stretch of the course be where the decisive move is made? Locate yourself here on Boat Race day, and you’ll get a great view of the course and possibly see where one of the crews really puts the hammer down.

Credit: The Boat Race

Pick of the pubs

There are dozens of pubs along the Championship Course, each of which will be welcoming spectators throughout the afternoon.

Duke’s Head

With river views, the has three floors of fun, takeaway pints along the river and plenty of entertainment.

The Crabtree

Cross the river and wander along the Thames Path from Fulham FC’s Craven Cottage, and you’ll find Experience the epic Crabtree Boat Race Festival and join them ‘for a spectacular day of live music, entertainment and bundles of fun’.

The Blue Anchor/Rutland Arms

Near Hammersmith Bridge and situated handily on the tow path, the and are right next to each other, making it easy to go to both! Outside tables right on the riverside will ensure that this stretch of the Thames will be bustling all afternoon. The Blue Anchor will have live music and a barbecue.

The Old Ship

Another characterful pub right by the water, the dates all the way back to 1722. It boasts – in their own words – ‘the longest (and best) possible view’ of the Boat Races.

The Bull’s Head

The is a bit further down the river, near Barnes Bridge towards the end of the race course. Unlike the other pubs, it’s not quite on the river, but the Bull’s Head is sure to be lively inside, with the race shown on screens around the pub. You’ll even have time to run down to the water to watch the crews go by as well.

The White Hart

As one of the last stops before the finish line, you’ll get a fantastic view of the finish line at the Spot the crews racing under Barnes Bridge in the last 1200m of the race.

The Ship

Get the best seat in the house for the finish line at just down the Thames Bank from Chiswick Bridge. You may even get the chance to call a photo finish.

How to watch and listen to the CHANEL J12 Boat Race

It has beeb recently announced that Times Radio are the official radio partner for the next three years. Times Radio presenter Jane Mulkerrins will host a special live edition of her Saturday afternoon programme from the Putney riverbank, where the The CHANEL J12 Boat Race 2026 begins, from 1pm–4pm. She will be joined by a line-up of rowing royalty and local celebrity guests, bringing listeners the atmosphere, analysis and reaction from the Championship Course.

The Boat Race 2026 will be broadcast in the UK on Channel 4 from 13.30-16.30. Channel 4 confirmed the line-up for their debut coverage of The Boat Race will be presented by Clare Balding, who brings decades worth of experience in presenting coverage of some of the world’s most iconic sporting events, including the Summer Paralympic Games for Channel 4.

Balding will be supported on Race Day by award-winning presenter and former ParalympicsGB wheelchair basketball player Ade Adepitan. Alex Jacques takes on lead commentary, with Olympic gold-medal winning rower Martin Cross and Olympic silver-medal winning rower Jess Eddie as co-commentators, and three-time Olympic gold medallist Pete Reed OBE on pundit duty.

The post Where to watch the 2026 CHANEL J12 Boat Race appeared first on British Rowing.

April Fools!

No, Henley Royal Regatta won’t be building a beach off Temple Island, but that doesn’t mean you can’t race Beach Sprints this summer.

British Rowing Beach Sprint Championships – 4-6 September 2026

Last year we hosted our largest ever Beach Sprint Championships with the number of competitors over 175% higher than the previous year. This year is set to be even bigger, as the event expands into a third day on Bournemouth beach.

Last year some of the most exciting races were the Mixed Quads, which will return again in 2026. Whilst crews may enter these categories as normal, the event will once again be offering the opportunity for individuals to enter a “seat” in a crew – giving even more opportunity for people to race. Last year’s racing saw a mix of people trying coastal sculling for the first time up to World Champions taking part!

find out more

2026 British Rowing Championships

Henley Women’s Regatta – 19 – 21 June 2026

Continuing its work to provide a world-class racing experience for women, Henley Women’s Regatta has this year announced the creation of two new events for aspirational academic and club quadruple sculls.

With The Chairman’s Trophy for aspirational quadruple sculls proving to be one of the most popular events at the regatta in recent years, the event will be split in 2026, with competitors from universities and other academic institutions now competing for The Nina Padwick Trophy. Meanwhile, The Chairman’s Trophy will be awarded to the winning aspirational club quadruple sculls crew.

Henley Royal Regatta – 30 June to 5 July 2026

In a final step towards gender parity, Henley Royal Regatta recently announced  the names of the three new Women’s quadruple sculls events in the Intermediate, Club and Student Categories at the 2026 Regatta, two of which will carry royal titles following approval from Buckingham Palace.

Find out more about The Princess of Wales Challenge Cup, The Danesfield Challenge Cup and The Queen Victoria Challenge Cup!

find out more

Trial for the GB Beach Sprint Team

Interested in trialing for the GB Beach Sprint Team? With three Beach Sprint events added to the 2028 Olympic Games programme in Los Angeles, there has never been a better chance to get in, learn fast and progress onto representing your country at the highest level.

find out more

The post April Fools: No beach in Henley, but plenty of racing this summer! appeared first on British Rowing.

In an unprecedented move, Henley Royal Regatta and Henley Women’s Regatta have decided at the last minute to add a brand new event to their programmes for 2026 – ‘Beach Sprints’.

New to the Olympic programme for Los Angeles 2028, Beach Sprint rowing is an adrenaline-fuelled racing format, where crews battle the waves over a 250m slalom course at sea. Rowers take a handbrake turn around a final buoy, before rowing straight back to shore to sprint up the beach to a buzzer. Rounds are knockout – first to hit the buzzer wins.

Great Britain is already seeing international success in Beach Sprint events, most recently bringing home one gold, silver and bronze medal apiece from last year’s World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals. The introduction of Beach Sprints to Henley Royal Regatta and Henley Women’s Regatta give potential Olympians another chance to test their metal against crews from all over the world before the first Olympic showdown in 2028.

The inaugural event, named The Beach Challenge Trophy for both regattas, will be raced by Coastal Mixed Doubles (CMix2x) in the senior age group category. The venture hasn’t come without challenges – the first one being the lack of beach along the Henley course.

“We’ve worked closely with British Rowing and key stakeholders including Henley Women’s Regatta, to provide our athletes with the best possible racing conditions and to ensure Temple Island Beach meets international racing standards.” said Richard Phelps, Chair of the Committee at Henley Royal Regatta.

In order to sustainably gather enough sand to fill the 50m beach, Henley Royal Regatta’s team of Stewards have been tasked with collecting 1 tonne of sand each month up until the event.

Waves posed another challenge to the new event, but the regattas plan on trialing alternating Beach Sprint races with flat water events that don’t benefit from a coxswain’s steering expertise. No two beach sprint race conditions are the same, and it’s thought that boats that bump into Henley’s iconic wooden booms will generate enough wave activity to recreate a competitive coastal environment.

Tom Solesbury, CEO of British Rowing, is incredibly enthusiastic about the new development. “With the LA 2028 Olympic Games just around the corner, we’re on the lookout for future Olympic Beach Sprint athletes, and for more opportunities for them to race. Being able to compete at the World’s most prestigious regattas in brand new conditions is the perfect opportunity.”

Richard Phelps commented “Innovation has always played a key role in Henley Royal Regatta’s history, and while creating our very own beach is undoubtedly one of our more ambitious undertakings, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of the sport and are confident that it will add an exciting new dimension to our event.”

Tom Pattichis, Olympic Head Coach for Beach Sprints, said: “It’s a new idea. We’ll never say no to new racing opportunities in the lead up to LA. Let’s see what happens.”

Naomi Ashcroft, Chairman of Henley Women’s Regatta, said: “We are pleased to be giving HWR competitors a taste of the Olympics and Paralympics with them racing the LA28 regatta distance, so this is an exciting step on to further support our Olympic development pathway. We’re always supportive of initiatives that create new opportunities for athletes, and we’re looking forward to seeing how Beach Sprints translate to the Henley course.”

The post New ‘Beach Sprints’ event to be introduced to iconic Henley Regattas appeared first on British Rowing.

The British Rowing Awards celebrate people, clubs and crews from across the rowing community who deserve recognition for the incredible work they put into our sport.

Reflecting on the achievements of all those who received awards, CEO of British Rowing Tom Solesbury said:  “What has become clear during my ongoing road trip around the regions, is how lucky we are to have some incredible people contributing huge amounts of time to make our sport what it is. The British Rowing Awards is an opportunity to recognise just a few of those amazing people and I’m glad that our latest winners were able to come together and celebrate their achievements. Thank you all of you for everything that you do!”

Winners of the 2026 Awards were announced online in December 2025, along with recipients of British Rowing’s highest honours – the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Medals of Merit and the Medal of Honour.

The awards were presented in person this past weekend by GB Rowing Team rowers Olympic Champion Lauren Henry, Paralympic Champion Frankie Allen, Olympic Bronze Medallist Freddie Davidson and World Champion David Bewicke-Copley. Lifetime Achievement Awards, and Medals of Merit and Honour were presented by British Rowing Deputy Chair Clare Briegal, who acted as MC for the ceremony.

Sue Morant, Club Captain of British Rowing Affiliated Club of the Year Lymington RC, collected her club’s award alongside other committee members and Lymington junior rowers. “Being at the British Rowing Awards was an incredibly proud moment for our entire club. To be recognised among so many outstanding clubs across the country was an honour in itself, but to be named Club of the Year is truly special. This award reflects the dedication of our athletes, coaches, volunteers and families, all of whom contribute to the positive, supportive community we’re so proud of. Our members were absolutely delighted; there’s been a real buzz around the club, and a strong sense that this is something we’ve all achieved together.”

In a personal moment, former GB Rowing Team Rower Adam Freeman-Pask presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Chris Morrell MBE, a stalwart of Windsor Boys’ School Boat Club, where Adam Freeman-Park spent his formative years as a young rower. “This man is an absolute legend”, Adam said, before reflecting on some of Chris’s outstanding achievements  over the last 50 years.

Diana Hunter, Chair of British Rowing, said; “Congratulations to all of the winners of the ���Ĵ�ý Awards! It was wonderful to be able to bring together so many of the winners to celebrate the fantastic people, crews and clubs on the day that the Head of the River Race was celebrating its 100th anniversary. An historic race that has been supported by so many volunteers over the 100 years highlights the significant contributions that are made across the sport.”

Presentations

Coaching Team of the Year: Swindon Rowing Club

(Left to Right) Steve Jones, Volunteer of the Year for Wiltshire, Avon, Gloucestershire and Somerset, Community Coach of the Year: Indiajane Cox and winner of the National Safety Award Clive Pendry

Environmental Sustainability Award: Fulham Reach Boat Club, with Olympic Champion Lauren Henry and Paralympic Champion Frankie Allen

Talent Development Coach of the Year: Heather McDermott, with World Champion David Bewicke-Copley, Paralympic Champion Frankie Allen, Olympic Champion Lauren Henry and Olympic Bronze Medallist Freddie Davidson

Inclusive Coach of the Year: Nick Steel

Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Chris Morrell MBE, with Adam Freeman-Pask

Affiliated Club of the Year: Lymington Amateur Rowing Club

Isabel Smales, Volunteer of the Year for Northern Region

Junior/School Crew of the Year: Elena Taylor, Derby Rowing Club

Josh Rhodes Hook, Volunteer of the Year for East Midlands Region

Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Mike Pugh

Medal of Merit recipient Michael Laing, presented by British Rowing Deputy Chair Clare Briegal

Medal of Merit recipient Alan Sherman

Club Crew of the Year: London Rowing Club’s Thames Challenge Cup Eight

Adam Tester, Young Volunteer of the Year for Wessex (Hants and Dorset) Region

Esme Walters, Young Volunteer of the Year for Wessex (Hants & Dorset) Region

Tom Hill, Young Volunteer of the Year for West Midlands Region

Florian Maurer, Volunteer of the Year for the Eastern Region

Oliver Heywood, Young Volunteer of the Year for Yorkshire Region

Stephen and Andrea Worley, Volunteers of the Year for Western Region with Steve Jones, Volunteer of the Year for Wiltshire, Avon, Gloucestershire and Somerset

Young Coach of the Year: Matty Cleugh

Welfare, Wellbeing and Inclusion Award: Mark Dewdney

Medal of Honour recipient Guin Batten

University Crew of the Year: Will Morgan-Jones, Durham University Boat Club

The post Congratulations to our ���Ĵ�ý Awards winners! appeared first on British Rowing.

The former Great Britain rower Matt Brittin CBE has been announced as the Director General of the BBC. Matt Brittin, who was part of the 1988 Olympic team in Seoul will become the 18th boss of the corporation.

Before winning a bronze medal at the the 1989 World Championships, Brittin learned to row at Hampton School. During his time on the Thames in South West London, Brittin was part of a formidable couple of crews that won the Triple on two occasions, in 1985 and 1986. His victories at the Schools’ Head, The National Schools’ Regatta and triumph in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta are amongst his proudest achievements in the sport.

After success as as schoolboy, Brittin studied at Robinson College, Cambridge where he raced in the Boat Race on three occasions. Brittin was in Cambridge University BC’s Blue Boat in 1987, ’88, and ’89.

After being selected in the Spare Pair for the 1988 Olympics, one of Brittin’s standout moments came one year later at the World Championships. After reaching the A Final in the Men’s Eight, Brittin and his team rowed through the United States of America to win a sensational bronze medal, beating their opposition by 0.04s as they crossed the finish line on Lake Bled. This bronze medal is in addition to the two silver medals he won in the Coxless Four at the 1985 and 1986 World Rowing Junior Championships.

Bled, Slovenia, YUGOSLAVIA. GBR M8+, move away at the the start of a heat of the men’s eight. General view of the start area at the 1989 World Rowing Championships, Lake Bled. [Credit. Peter Spurrier/Intersport Images] crew, Bow, Tim FOSTER, Matthew BRITTIN, Jim WALKER, Rupert OBHOLZER, Jonny SINGFIELD, Richard PHELPS, Jonathan SEARLE, Jonathan HULLS and cox Adrian ELLISON.

The 1989 crews was a star-studded one. Amongst the crew was future Olympic Champions Tim Foster and Jonny Searle, Olympians Jonny Singfield, Anton Obholzer, Adrian Ellison, and Jim Walker. Also in the crew was Richard Phelps, Chair of the Committee at Henley Royal Regatta who works with Brittin in his role as a Steward of the Regatta.

Since stepping down from international racing, Brittin still gets out on the water at Molesey BC and Crabtree BC. Part of the Molesey BC Leg-ends, he’s raced domestically and internationally at events such as the Head of the Charles where he won a silver medal in the Men’s Grand Master Fours in 2024.

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