Whether you are an experienced rower or a complete beginner in search of a new sport there is something for everyone at CURC. With a strong novice program for beginners and rapidly developing senior squads, including links with the Welsh National Squad, for those with higher aspirations.

Welsh Varsity Boat Race- Official Opening to Varsity 2012

HORR 2012

 Following the success of Cardiff University Rowing Club's Women's Squad last Saturday as they took to the waters of London's Tideway in the world's biggest head race 'The Women's Head of the River'; reassessment of the novice women's times, saw Catherine College - Cambridge disqualified, meaning the novice women achieved the novice pennant, whilst the seniors achieved the pennant for the IM3 category, (Correction from Gair Rhydd, 12/03/12). Four members of Cardiff University Senior Men's Squad saw further success as they represented Wales, rowing for Rhwyfo Cymru, at the Men's Head of the River Race held on 6.8km of the Thames between Putney and Mortlake.

        The strong Welsh Crew consisting of Robbie Massey (6), Joshua Bugajski (4), Jack Thomas (2) and Pete Robinson (Bow), took to the Thames on Saturday with a start position of 282nd, after battling it out with 404 other crews, of which 9 were overtaken, the Welsh Rowing finish time of 18minutes and 47seconds saw the athletes take the IM3 pennant, falling just shy of the IM2 winner's time (London Rowing Club), finishing 38th overall.

        Two other crews entered by the university also achieved strong results, where the Senior Men's crew consisting of Sarah Davies (Cox), Daniel Hart (Stroke), Vince DeLuca (7), Chris Morris (6), Joe Avery (5), Sam Vatvani (4), Santiago Borges Rodriguez (3), Tom Tilston (2) and James Stringfellow (Bow) finished comfortably in 19minutes 44seconds, whilst the novice men finished with a time of 21minutes and 6seconds.

        It has been an absolutely brilliant start to this years rowing season having been the only club in the UK, as well as Overseas, to take three pennants in the worlds largest and most prestigious head race. It really pays tribute to all the hard work the athletes have put in with their winters training, and can only encourage the club to advance and grow in this Olympic year. Congratulations to all involved and best of luck as you look forward to the regattas season!

 Crew from Left to Right (Bows to Stern): Pete Robinson (Bow), Jack Thomas (2), Matt Hnatiw (3), Josh Bugajski (4), Daniel John (5), Robbie Massey (6), Joe Guppy (7), James Loveday (Stroke) and Morgan Baynham-Williams (Cox).

WEHORR 2012

The weekend saw a great performance from the CURC Athletes. Women's Eights Head of the River Race took place on Saturday on the Thames. This is one of the largest head races in the world and the pinnacle of the winter season. Cardiff women were among nearly 300 other crews who were also put their winter training to the test. With the club expanding, the women entered four crews of eight rowers, two at senior level and two at novice. Each crew produced an awesome result, achieving a better result that the previous year. The first VIII: Francesca Hinds, Rebecca Girling, Sarah Goodison, Cari Davies, Kat Heine, Rosie Owens, Nel Castle-smith, Helen Roberts and Helen Iliff (cox) won the IM3 pennant and finished in an impressive 23rd place overall. The novice women first VIII: Alina Cheeseman, Lucy Stickland, Alex Stewert, Kirsten Berggren, Anna Horne, Steph Ridge, Jess Christley and Phillipa King also won the novice academic event and came 121st overall. This has been the best set of results CURC has ever seen at this event. A massive congratulations and thank you to all those involved in the event!

On Sunday CURC men also took to the Tideway, in preparation for their Head of the River Race (HORR) in two weeks time. Both the senior and novice crews displayed some promising results. We would like to take this opportunity to wish them the best of luck for HORR, which takes place Saturday 17th March.

Whilst the majority of our athletes were in London, some raced more locally. Frederick Esmond Ingleby Hardman hit the Taff. He won not only the IM3 singles event, beating an elite sculler, but later also won the pairs event, partnering Jamie Burns. Four Cardiff University men: Pete Robinson, Jack Thomas, Nick Moseley and Tom Hayward, who form part of Rhwyfo Cymru, also had a successful day on home water. Their VIII won its division, and was the second fastest boat of the day. They also won the 4- and 4x.

Excellent results all around, well done to all our athletes.

  

 

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