News

On Wednesday COBRA had the pleasure of hosting a belated reunion for the ‘72/’73 CAIBC crew, with a few extra crewmates from that era, along with their coach Sid Grey. Many hadn’t seen each other since leaving school. The ‘72/’73 crew were one of, if not the most successful crews from CAIBC. They won the Senior Schoolboy/Youth VIII+ and IV+ Championships of Ireland and represented Ireland in the Home International Regatta with the VIII+ coming 2nd and the IV+ winning.

The day started with a reception in the school boardroom followed by a tour of the school museum with Joe Cassells, which took everyone back 50 years. After lunch, the group toured the new boathouse, inspected the current fleet (comparing the modern carbon fibre boats to their wooden ones) and met some of the current athletes. The original ‘72/’73 official crew photograph (available on our website Archive page) was re-created, barring absentees.

Then came the burning question – did the nine of them feel willing, or able, to get back out in an eight? Colin Hunter, who has rarely been away from a boat over the 50 years was not in doubt. Especially as he was just back from the World Masters Championships where he won 3 events. Old Irish vests were donned and after a quick warmup on the ergometers, they hit the water.

The first strokes were rather wobbly but the old crew cohesion soon came back and what was to be a short trip to the Old Bridge soon got extended above it. The current coaches were impressed with how balanced and together the crew was, however the gasping of some members suggested it was best not to over do a good thing and they soon retired to their black-tie dinner to further their reminiscences.

Thanks to Joe Cassells and Jeremy Johnston for facilitating the reunion. Does anyone want to organise their reunion? Don’t wait 50 years – 10, 20, 30 or 40 would work too!

Thank you to all the coaches and parents for making another successful Coleraine Grammar School Rowing Club Awards Dinner possible.

It was great to see such a large turnout of COBRA members. Your continued support means a lot. Thank you!

Photos from last night rowing dinner. It was a fantastic evening showing rowing at Coleraine Grammar School

Another strong showing from COBRA members, we really appreciate your support

15 Year Reunion Row

Today we had the pleasure of hosting 3/4’s of famous crew from the past for a quick few km’s to blow off the cobwebs. Many of you will recognise the familiar faces of the 2009 Irish Championship silver medal winning quad. The last CAI crew to medal at the Irish Champs.

It was great to catch up and we hope you guys won’t be strangers at the boat house in future!

Congratulations to COBRA member Rachel Bradley on her most recent addition to the medal cabinet. Rachel is competing at Rose Regatta in Shanghai China where she and her Newcastle crew mates came away with the Gold medal!

Remarkable achievement Rachel, well done!

Newcastle University Boat Club

Some COBRA members took to the water this morning for a short paddle, taking advantage of the perfect weather!

Congratulations to Fergus and Rachel at the U23 World Championships in St Catharine’s, Canada.

Both Fergus and Rachel raced fantastically in their respective B finals this afternoon!

Fergus won his final putting his Men’s 4x- in 7th place overall!
Rachel and her doubles partner came in a close second, putting them in 8th overall.

Well done Rachel and Fergus, we couldn’t be more proud of what you’ve achieved this week💪❤️

Rachel Bradley and Fergus Bryce both progress to B Finals at the U23 World Championships in St Cathrines, Canada! 🇨🇦

Fergus raced his A/B Semi-Final yesterday afternoon but unfortunately missed out on a place in the A Final by an incredible 0.02 seconds! It was a remarkable race and to miss out on the final like this is simply bad luck, rowing is such an unforgiving sport!

Fergus and Rachel will both race in their respective finals on Friday 23rd August.
Rachel in the U23 Women’s Double sculls races at 14:40 BST.
Fergus in the U23 Mens Quadruple sculls races at 15:05 BST.

Be sure to follow along on World Rowing’s YouTube page! Good luck! 🍀

Newcastle University Boat Club
Queen's Rowing
Rowing Ireland
British Rowing

COBRA members Rachel Bradley and Fergus Bryce putting in solid performances in Canada!

After some delayed racing due to adverse weather conditions, racing resumed today with Rachel racing in the repechage of the U23 Womans Double Sculls. She finished in a credible 4th place which progressed her to the B Final and will race on Friday 23rd August at 14:40 BST.

Fergus stormed through his heats to finish in 2nd place, progressing him directly to the A/B Semi-Finals of the Men’s Quadruple Sculls. He races tomorrow at 20:00 BST.

Be sure to watch these races on the World Rowing YouTube page. Good luck!

Newcastle University Boat Club
Queen's Rowing

Very sad news this morning about a very valued member of the coaching staff. Darren helped many members of the rowing club, at all levels. He was always very cheerful and wanted to get the best out of his athletes.

On behalf of all COBRA members I extend our deepest condolences to Paula, Gemma and Callum.

Jamie Gibson
COBRA Chairman