Racing
Train hard, race well, enjoy the journey
Overview
OTRC has a proud racing tradition. Men's and women's crews compete side by side at regattas and head races across the region, from local events on the Nene to the British Rowing Masters Championships and beyond.
Both men's and women's racing squads train as part of the same programme - shared coaching, shared sessions, shared goals. The result is a strong, unified racing culture where everyone pushes each other to improve. Whether you're in a coxed four, a double, or an eight, you're part of the same team.
The commitment is real. Consistent training on water, ergs, and in the gym is what makes a racing crew work. Crew boats need everyone pulling their weight - literally and figuratively. But the rewards match the effort: there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of a crew clicking into rhythm, the buzz of a good race, and the camaraderie that comes from working hard together.
This isn't about being the fastest from day one. It's about the process of getting better, learning to move a boat well, and racing with purpose. We compete at events including the British Rowing Masters Championships, Peterborough Summer Regatta, St Neots Regatta, Star Club Head, and many more throughout the season.
Training Schedule
The Racing squad offers multiple sessions each week to build fitness, technique, and crew cohesion:
| Day | Time | Session Type | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 08:00 | Water | Racing & Performance Water Session |
| Tuesday | 17:15 | Ergo | Performance Ergo Training |
| 18:15 | Water | Coached Water Session (Race Crews) | |
| Thursday | 17:15 | Ergo | Performance Ergo Training |
| 18:15 | Water | Water Session | |
| Monday | 08:00 | Water | Squad Training (when available) |
Circuit training available on Tuesday evenings during the winter months
The Racing squad offers multiple sessions each week to build fitness, technique, and crew cohesion:
Circuit training available on Tuesday evenings during the winter months
Pathways into Racing
New to racing? There are several ways to get started, and our coaches will help you find the right fit.
Novice Crews
Coaches build crews of new racers and enter suitable novice events. Start here if you're competent on the water but haven't raced before. It's a supported, low-pressure way to experience your first competition.
Apprentice Crews
A mix of experienced and novice racers in the same boat. Learn from those around you while building race experience. A natural next step once you've had a taste of competition.
Subbing In
Opportunities to sub into established crews for training and events as they arise. A great way to get a feel for the crew environment without a fixed commitment.
Women's Racing at OTRC
The women's racing squad has grown significantly over recent seasons. Crews regularly compete at regional regattas and head races, with ambitions that stretch further every season.
The squad welcomes rowers of varying abilities who share a commitment to improvement. Training is flexible enough to accommodate work and family commitments - because real life doesn't stop for rowing, and we understand that. What matters is showing up when you can and giving it everything when you do.
New members are paired with experienced rowers to help them settle in. The culture here is straightforward: supportive, encouraging, and focused on getting better together.
Key Events
Racing crews compete throughout the year across two seasons:
Head Race Season (Oct - Mar)
- Northampton Head of the Nene
- Star Club Head
- Boston Head
- Bedford Head
Regatta Season (Apr - Sep)
- St Neots Regatta
- Peterborough Summer Regatta
- St Ives Regatta
- British Rowing Masters Championships
- Local sprint regattas
Competition entry is coordinated through the coaching team and club captain
Ready to Get Started?
Join a squad that trains hard and races harder
