Hexham RC opened the 2026 racing season at the Tyne United New Year’s Head on Saturday 24th January, joining clubs from across the region for one of the first competitive outings of the year. The event, hosted by Tyne United RC, always offers a lively start to year, but this year the River Tyne delivered an especially testing welcome.
Large waves and a strong, persistent wind forced race officials to shorten the course to 3 km. Even so, conditions remained challenging throughout the day, demanding confident boat handling and plenty of composure, especially when marshalling before the start.
Despite the weather, Hexham RC produced determined and committed performances across both divisions. In Division 1, the club’s morning crews handled the rough water well, trying to settle into a rhythm and making the most of the shortened course. The composite OpJ182x with Cambois in band 2 came home with a win, the other Cambois composite in the W MasC/D/E 8+ had a good tussle with Tyne RC who completed the course quicker. A strong performance from the Op MasE/F/G 4x- crew with Richard completing his first head race in THOSE conditions (it’s not always like that – honest)! Congratulations to our junior girls racing in the senior W4+ coming home in front and there was disappointment for our the Op J16 4x- composite with Durham School in band 1 who had a mechanical issue. Special well done to the single scullers from other clubs who braved the waves!
Division 2 brought no relief from the conditions as hoped, with the waves still prominent but less water in the tidal river to shelter from the wind across exposed parts of the river. Hexham’s later crews rose to the challenge, navigating the lumpiest stretches of the course with thoughts of a warm cup of tea and comfy chair for a Saturday afternoon. The composite Op J18 4x- with QEHS came second by 0.02 seconds to Durham School, there was a first and second for our two crews in band 1 W J18 2x. The masters ladies came second and forth in the W MasE/F/G 4x- event and there was a good tussle between our masters men’s doubles in the Op Mas E/G/H 2x.
Huge thanks to Julia and George for towing the trailers! Thank you to those who supported us and well done to everyone who took part.
Full results can be found below with event information available via Tyne United RC’s website here
