St Neots Head of the River Race Report

7 October 2023

St Neots Head of the River Race Report

The 1st of October 2023 transitioned us from the summer regatta season to the autumnal head race season and marked the successful return of St Neots Small Boats Head Race after several years.

There were two course options to enter: the Main Head race at 2.6km and the Mini Head Race at 1.2km. It was fantastic to have boats racing from 9 different clubs, with 123 races throughout the day.

St Neots entered into 17 races across the four divisions with a great mix of entries from the Juniors, Seniors, and Masters squads.

St Neots races on the day included a Masters Womens 4+ and a Men’s Masters 4x (below) both coming second in their categories.

Bradley Wilies and Matthew Wigmore raced in the Open singles and Jaione Echeveste came second in the Womens Masters singles, missing out on first place by 2 seconds.

The junior squad entered several singles, doubles and quads across the day, building valuable experience for the coming Head race season.

There were pots and wins for:

  • Jacqui Round’s composite mixed double.
  • Women’s J14 singles in the Mini Head race for Miriam Gilbert.
  • Women’s coxed four – Mia Hartwell (cox), Becki Dixon, Clara Zwetsloot, Jaione Echeveste and Olivia Marsh (featured image).

St. Ives won the Harry Evans memorial overall cup for most successful club on the day (pictured below with club Chair Huw Jarman and organiser Adrian Vuylsteke (centered)).

Thanks to the organisers, volunteers, competitors and supporters for making the event such a success. Special thanks for Huw Jarman (Club Chair) and Adrian Vuylsteke for reigniting the St Neots Head of the River Race.