Sunday 10th August 2025
Doncaster Rowing Club's men's section put on a fantastic display of skill and determination at the recent Peterborough Summer Regatta, competing against clubs from all over the UK. The event, known for its beautiful setting, was a great success for the DRC team, who brought home a host of impressive results.
The weekend saw some standout individual and team performances. David Kelly was a force to be reckoned with, taking home a brilliant first-place finish in the Masters B 1x event. A huge congratulations to David on this well-deserved win.
In his very first regatta since graduating from the Learn to Row course in September 2024, Paul Gibson made a stunning debut. Rowing alongside Lee Arthur in the Masters C 2x, the pair showcased some excellent teamwork and came in a very respectable third place. What an incredible way to start his competitive rowing career!
There was also a dramatic moment for Harry Hague in the Open 1x event. Despite a significant challenge—competing with two blades of different lengths—Harry showcased his resilience and skill by successfully navigating his way through the heats and securing an impressive second-place finish in the final.
Making an admirable showing in the highly competitive J18 competition, William Smith also raced to a fantastic second-place finish in the Open J18 1x event. His performance is a testament to his hard work and talent in a tough field. William Smith also competed on the Saturday in this two day regatta, gaining another second-place finish not only competing against a competitive field but also a massive tail wind making single sculling very tricky!
Other notable results include:
Tom Swallow secured a third-place finish in the Masters I 1x and a second-place finish in the Masters I 2x with his partner, Dave from Hull.
The club extends its congratulations to all the rowers who competed. It was a great event, and we look forward to attending again next year!
Friday 18th - Sunday 20th July 2025
Doncaster Rowing Club, proudly represented by our Doncaster Schools' Rowing Association athletes, recently sent a strong contingent to the British Rowing Junior Championships (Brit Champs), held from Friday to Sunday. Our juniors showcased incredible dedication and talent on the national stage, delivering some memorable performances!
The action kicked off on Friday with William Smith leading the charge in the J18 1x, demonstrating great skill in his single scull. He was swiftly followed by Maddison Flemming in the WJ16 1x, who also put in a fantastic effort. Both William and Maddison achieved amazing times in their time trials, a testament to their hard work and speed!
Saturday saw more solo strength with Gabriel Ford competing in the J16 1x, bringing his best in a superb time in a highly competitive field. Megan Hill also took to the water in the WJ18 1x, showing her prowess in a highly competitive category.
The weekend's racing concluded on Sunday with our powerful WJ18 4x- crew, featuring Megan Hill, Maddison Flemming, Sophie Robertson, and Emilia Knight. They rounded off the championships with a determined performance, securing a well-deserved C Final!
A huge congratulations to all our juniors who competed at Brit Champs. Their commitment, courage, and the experience gained from racing at this elite level are invaluable.
You've made Doncaster Rowing Club incredibly proud!
Sunday 6th July 2025
What a day! Our recent Summer BBQ Fun Day truly brought the entire Doncaster Rowing Club community together for an unforgettable day of fun, laughter, and a little bit of everything the British summer could throw at us!
The day kicked off with thrilling Knockout Virus Racing, where mixed crews battled it out on the water, proving that teamwork (and a good sense of humour!) is key. Then, as a sharp, short shower sent everyone scurrying for cover, the action seamlessly moved indoors for energetic ERG Relays, pushing everyone's limits and generating plenty of cheers. Once the skies cleared, it was back to the river for the highly anticipated Scratch 8s, showcasing fantastic power and coordination from all who took part.
Beyond the racing, creativity blossomed with the Club House Mural Design session with Dan. It was fantastic to see members of all ages contributing their ideas to what will undoubtedly become a vibrant new addition to our clubhouse.
And what's a BBQ Fun Day without the 'BBQ'? Our incredible volunteers kept everyone fuelled with a continuous supply of delicious food and refreshing drinks. The spread of cakes and bakes was simply legendary – a huge thank you to everyone who contributed their culinary talents!
Yes, we had glorious sunshine, perfect for being out on the river, but in true British fashion, we also experienced a spell of torrential rain. Did it dampen our spirits? Absolutely not! If anything, it added to the adventure and highlighted the resilience and good humour of our members.
Ultimately, the day was a resounding success because it did exactly what we hoped: it brought the entire club and all our squads together for a day of pure fun. From juniors to seniors, seasoned rowers to Learn to Row graduates, it was a fantastic demonstration of the strong, supportive, and joyful community that is Doncaster Rowing Club.