Henley mixed lead way in winter series

HENLEY dragonboat and outrigger racing team competed in the second Henley Winter Series race last Sunday against teams from Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Worcester, London, Loughborough and Shoreham over the 7km and 12km Henley Regatta course loops. SUP paddlers also took part led by GoWithTheFlow’s Nick Judd.

The outriggers set off first in their 12km two-loop course. Nine outrigger canoes took part, eight dragonboats and 28 stand-up paddleboarders.

The outrigger canoes competed in the women, open and mixed categories. Overall, Royals Outrigger Canoe Club (open) triumphed in a time of one hour, one minute and 38 seconds. Second was a mixed Paddlesports Racing Canoe Club crew just 14 seconds behind and third was another Paddlesports mixed crew in a time of one hour, two minutes and
41 seconds. Wraysbury were the first ladies’ crew in a time of one hour, eight minutes and
38 seconds.

The dragonboats then raced down the 7km course. Each boat was released every 30 seconds on to the course in a pursuit race, with the faster crews starting last. There was a convoy of crews paddling hard down the river towards Temple, hunting down those in front. Crews met on the Temple Island buoy turn, requiring them to turn together. Faster boats seized their opportunities, cutting in the inside and pushing past the battling crews.

Rafters, Wraysbury Dragons and Henley Dragons battled three abreast up from Temple Island. Wraysbury and Rafters were both in the open category, with primarily men paddling, while Henley had a 50/50 men and women split. Henley used the wash from Wraysbury for their full advantage.

As the boats approached Henley bridge, Rafters went through the middle arch, while Henley and Wraysbury went right of centre. Not far behind there was another battle between Hurricanes and Soaring Dragons with Hurricanes nipping in tight on the last turn and shooting away towards the line.

Henley finished first mixed boat (third overall) in a time of
35 minutes and 22 seconds. Wraysbury were narrowly second in 34 minutes, 11 seconds and Rafters winning in 33 minutes,
31 seconds.

Henley now have a break in racing, and will be returning on March 29 next year.