The 1st of October 2023 transitioned us from the summer regatta season to the autumnal head race season and marked the successful return of St Neots Small Boats Head Race after several years.

There were two course options to enter: the Main Head race at 2.6km and the Mini Head Race at 1.2km. It was fantastic to have boats racing from 9 different clubs, with 123 races throughout the day.

St Neots entered into 17 races across the four divisions with a great mix of entries from the Juniors, Seniors, and Masters squads.

St Neots races on the day included a Masters Womens 4+ and a Men’s Masters 4x, both coming second in their categories.

Bradley Wilies and Matthew Wigmore raced in the hotly contested open singles category and Jaione Echeveste placed second in the Women’s Masters singles, missing out on first place by 2 seconds.

The junior squad entered several singles, doubles and quads across the day, building valuable experience for the coming Head race season.

Pots were won by: Jacqui Round’s composite mixed double;  Miriam Gilbert in the women’s J14 singles; and Mia Hartwell (cox), Becki Dixon, Clara Zwetsloot, Jaione Echeveste and Olivia Marsh in the Women’s coxed fours.

St. Ives won the Harry Evans memorial cup for most successful club on the day.

Thanks to the organisers, volunteers, competitors and supporters for making the event such a success. Special thanks to Huw Jarman (Club Chair) and Adrian Vuylsteke for rekindling the event and making it such a success.