News

BUCS Regatta 2024
Last weekend 5 of our student COBRA members took to Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham to race against the UK’s top university crews along the 2km course.
Over the 3 days 7 medals were picked up across sculling and sweeping events, with representation in lightweight and openweight categories. Fantastic to see such intense racing for both those watching in Nottingham and at home.

Rachel Bradley, Newcastle University:
W Champ 4x- 🥇
W Inter IV+ 🥉
W Champ VIII+ 5th
W Champ 2x 5th

Fergus Bryce, Queen’s University:
Op Inter 2x 🥇
Op Inter 4x 🥈
Op Inter 1x B final 1st

Kirsty Dalzell, University of Nottingham:
W Inter lwt 4x- 🥈
W Champ lwt IV 🥉
W Champ lwt 2x 4th

Jack Edgar, De Montfort University:
Op Champ lwt 2x 4th
Op Inter lwt 1x E final 1st
Op Inter 4x- G final 1st

John Harte, Queen’s University:
W Beginner VIII+ 🥉
W Beginner IV+ 6th
M Inter IV+ B final 4th

Angus Bryce, Bangor University:
Op Inter lwt 2- B final 5th
Op Inter lwt 1x 40th
Op Inter 2x 68th

COBRA would like to say a huge well done to all 5 athletes and their crews for their performances over the weekend. Bring on the rest of regatta season!💪💪

Yesterday COBRA members were competing all over the UK, at BUCs regatta (continuing throughout this weekend) in Nottingham and closer to home at the coveted Portadown Regatta.

COBRA Director Calum McBurney raced in the Men’s Club1 4x- at Portadown regatta. In his first race after coming back from injury Calum raced to silver medal position narrowly missing out on the gold, by less than a length, to a very strong Portora crew. Well done!

BIG WEEKEND AHEAD!

Good luck to our student COBRA members racing at BUCS Regatta this Saturday, Sunday AND Monday.
Livestream from the event will be available on Youtube for all races

Back in NI our CGSRC rowers take on Portadown Regatta, a fantastic event to kick off regatta season. Many of our COBRA members racing at BUCS had their first race here not too many years ago!

Hopefully everyone is looking forward to some side by side racing!

Fantastic to have two COBRA giants down at the rowing club this morning for a paddle. Geoff and Richard couldn’t have picked a better day for it!

If any members are interested please get in touch! 🐍

Congratulations to COBRA member Rachel Bradley who was in Caversham this weekend competing at GB Trails.

Rachel finished in a fantastic 3rd place in the U23 sculling trail which also placed her in 12th overall at Senior trails. A remarkable achievement, well done!

Allmarkone
Newcastle University Boat Club

Mini-reunion of the class of '74/'81

Last weekend saw an impromptu and unofficial reunion of three members of the squad of '74/'81

Alan Wilson and Alan Anderson were both coxes, while Stephen Peden (who was technically a year below) rowed and sculled with the squad.

Alan W made contact following the recent boat namings (of the "Steen Anderson" and "Sidney Grey"). Last weekend he was visiting from England and Alan A (COBRA Treasurer and volunteer coach) agreed to show him round the new boathouse, with Stephen. A quick trip up the river brought back memories from 40+ years ago. Then a visit to the school museum and its photographs and memorabilia brought back some more memories.

Although both Alans started as coxes, Alan W was the lighter and better (being awarded a green vest for representing Ireland in the 1978 Home Internationals). Alan A switched to rowing in his final years and competed in the double scull with Stephen.

Having missed a 40th reunion opportunity due to Covid, a 45th full crew reunion was mooted for '26......

Anyone wishing to visit, or trace old friends, is welcome - contact us on chairman@COBRArowing.co.uk

An all familiar landmark to many a Coleraine oarsman is celebrating its centenary!

COBRA members take on the tideway!

Women’s Eights Head of the River Race took place last Saturday with 162 boats racing.
Conditions proved to be challenging with a strong headwind and fast flow along the 7km course, nothing new to rowers with years of experience on the Bann however!

Rachel Bradley, 5 seat in the Newcastle University ‘A’ VIII+, placed 10th overall and 2nd in the University category.

Kirsty Dalzell, 7 seat in the University of Nottingham’B’ VIII+, placed 92nd overall and 24th in the University category.

Bring on regatta season 💪

On this International Women’s Day, we’re proud to honour the incredible achievements of our female alumni oarswomen! Their dedication, strength, and passion for the sport have been a driving force in shaping the legacy of both the school rowing club and COBRA.

From breaking barriers to setting records, these remarkable women have navigated waters with grace, resilience, and sheer determination. They've shown us that the power of unity and unwavering commitment knows no bounds.

To every female alumna who has left an indelible mark on our club, thank you for inspiring generations of athletes. Your spirit continues to propel us forward both on and off the water.

Here’s to celebrating the achievements, empowerment, and limitless potential of all women today and every day!