Bentham Boat Club – the alumni arm of UCLBC – entered several crews in this year’s Henley Masters Regatta held on July 12 & 13.  In keeping with recent years, the competition profile of Masters Henley continues to increase, with crews from USA, Australia, Germany, NZ and NL all competing against home crews.

The Bentham Masters F 4x (the “Profs Boat”) – Ian Bates, Ozren Tozic, Micheal Maier and Mattias Koepp – although a fast crew, were unfortunate to draw against West End RC of New Zealand in the quarters (Mahe Drysdale’s ‘home’ club!) and although neck and neck at halfway, the extra 10kg of NZ per seat was enough for them to power through to win by 1-3/4 L. A good time, though.

The Masters E 2x of Bates/Koepp was also up against staff opposition from quality UK crews such as Dart-Totnes and Bexhill in addition to Lincoln Park and San Diego RC from the USA.  Masters E continues to be one of the more competitive (ie. difficult to win!) categories in masters racing! However, the boys did well and won through to the final, where they beat Newark RC by 3/4 L in a personal best time. Henley Champs!