York women rowers make history as they prepare to compete in Henley Royal Regatta
A group of women rowers from York have made history by competing in the qualifying races for the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta.
The crew will race in the Wargrave Challenge Cup, the event for Club Women’s Eights, marking a significant milestone for both the athletes and the club.
Their qualification campaign represents the culmination of years of dedication, commitment, and development within the women’s programme, built on the efforts of former captains, coaches, volunteers, and countless squad members who have contributed to its growth, a spokesperson for the club said.
The team qualified after taking part in time trial races on Friday, with the cup race taking place on Tuesday June 30.
A spokesperson said: “While only nine athletes will take to the course, this accomplishment belongs to the entire women’s squad - past and present. It reflects the collective efforts of generations of athletes, coaches, and volunteers who have shaped the programme and helped create this historic opportunity.
“With strong foundations now in place, the squad is excited to build on this success and explore what can be achieved in the years ahead.”
The first Henley Regatta was held in 1839 and over the coming years men who had “ever been employed in or about boats or in manual labour’ were banned from competing. These restrictions were only fully lifted in 1937. Henley Women’s Regatta began in 1987, it took until 1993 for the first women’s race to be introduced to the Royal Regatta. Henley Royal Regatta now features fourteen women’s events, with 10 added in the last 9 years.
The Wargrave Challenge Cup is the event for Club Women’s Eights: eight rowers with one oar (or “blade”) each, with a coxswain to motivate and steer. These are the same size boats and “sweep” style of rowing that millions see in the Boat Race on the Thames each Spring, crews race side-by-side up an iconic stretch of the Thames into the centre of Henley.
York City Rowing Club would welcome experienced rowers who are based in, or moving to, the York area. Female athletes wanting to join an ambitious and growing women’s squad should contact Women’s Captain, Jessica Pidgeon, at [email protected]