Senior Contenders - winners of the first 2006/7 Henley Winter Series

The 3^rd Henley Winter Series for dragon boats kicked off last Sunday with a record number of crews entering the first event. 13 brightly painted dragon boats raced up and down the river, providing a spectacular sight for the many walkers and spectators making the most of the stunning weather, and lining the river bank and bridge.

Over 250 competitors took part in the event, coming from as far afield as Exeter and Durham. The crews were set off at intervals from the Eyot Centre. Each boat was timed over the 7.5km circular course which took them down through the bridge, turning around Temple Island, back upstream to the island by Marsh Lock, and finishing at the Eyot Centre.

Last year’s winners, Senior Contenders, were back to defend their title, although a revitalised Masters International crew, winners of the first Series, were determined to regain the trophy. The majority of the Great Britain Senior squad are spread between these two composite crews and use this as an opportunity to train together over the winter and to settle old scores.

The local club, Henley Dragons, yet to be beaten by another club crew in a Henley Winter Series event, were feeling the pressure as several clubs were entering the Series for the first time, including Batchworth, the champions of the British Dragon Boat Association League for the last 4 years.

There was an air of anticipation as the organisers calculated the results, before it was revealed that, in an extremely close race, the winners were Senior Contenders in a time of 31mins 19 seconds, just one second faster than Masters International.

Henley Dragons retained their record as undefeated club crew finished third in 34 minutes 34 seconds, delighted to have beaten Batchworth into 4^th.

The winner’s medals for this first event were sponsored by The Anchor Inn in Friday Street, where competitors headed after the event for some well deserved sustinance.

The Henley Winter Series is organised by Henley Dragon Boat Club who are based at The Eyot Centre on Wargrave Road. The clubhouse at the Centre has recently been demolished as a first step in the rebuilding project, and the dragon boat event has contributed vital funds to this project over the last 2 years. The event this year is being run from marquees in the field beside the clubhouse, an added complication for the organisers who are looking forward to having good facilities in the new clubhouse next year.

The Henley Winter Series is a series of 4 events taking place during the winter months in Henley. The next race will be on Sunday 10^th December with the first crew setting off at 10:30am. Spectators are welcome at the Eyot Centre or at any point along the river bank.  

For photos click here. Full results: