The forecast threatened rain, but the sun won the argument as the first crews pushed off at 8.30am for the annual Portadown Regatta.
Hosted by Portadown Boat Club, the event once again proved one of the most vibrant fixtures on the rowing calendar, drawing a strong entry and lively support along the River Bann.
There was added interest this year with North West Rowing Club from Donegal making their first appearance, bolstering an already competitive programme. Racing began on the button, head‑to‑head heats dispatched every five minutes to keep the schedule tight and the riverbank crowd engrossed.
Spectators were treated to a morning of tight margins and dramatic finishes.
Away from the water, the atmosphere was no less energetic.
The Riverside Café and outdoor catering team kept the crowds well fed, with the BBQ in constant demand as the temperatures climbed.
The afternoon finals delivered another spell of compelling racing.
Newry enjoyed one of the standout regattas, taking the Men’s Junior 14 Double Sculls (MJ14 2x) with their B crew, as well as the MJ15 2x, MJ15 4+ and the Masters 2x. Bann were similarly prominent, winning the MJ15 2x (Bann A), both divisions of the MJ15 4+, and dominating the Women’s Junior 14 categories with victories in both WJ14 2x events and one of the WJ14 4+ finals.
Coleraine Grammar School (CGS) also made their presence felt, securing wins in the MJ14 4+, MJ16 4+, MJ18 2x, MJ18 4x‑, and a string of women’s events including the WJ16 2x and WJ16 4+.
Belfast Rowing Club claimed honours in the masters ranks, with J Wilson winning the MM1x and their B crew taking the MM8+.
Commercial Rowing Club produced an impressive haul on the women’s side, sweeping multiple WJ15 2x divisions, the WJ15 4+, WJ16 1x (E Meade), WJ18 2x and WJ18 4x‑. Lagan Rowing Club rounded off the day with victories in both the Women’s Masters 2x and 4+, while Garda took the MJ16 2x.
There were notable single‑scull successes too: Portadown’s A Love in the MJ16 1x, CGS’s T McFaull in the MJ18 1x, and D Deal in the WJ18 1x. Newry’s L Jenkins claimed the Women’s Masters 1x.
Across the programme, CGS emerged among the day’s most successful clubs, closely chased by Commercial, Bann and Newry — a reflection of the depth and competitiveness on show throughout.
With high‑quality racing, a warm welcome and strong performances across every category, Portadown Boat Club can reflect on another excellent regatta.
Focus now shifts to the weeks ahead, with plenty more action still to come as the rowing season gathers pace.
Portadown Regatta – Results Summary
Men
- MJ14 2x: Newry B
- MJ14 4+: Coleraine Grammar School
- MJ15 2x: Bann A
- MJ15 4+: Bann A; Bann B (Divisions)
- MJ16 1x: A Love (Portadown)
- MJ16 2x: Garda
- MJ16 4+: CGS
- MJ18 1x: T McFaull (CGS)
- MJ18 2x: CGS
- MJ18 4x‑: CGS
- MM1x: J Wilson (Belfast RC)
- MM8+: Belfast RC (B crew)
Women
- WJ14 2x: Bann (both divisions)
- WJ14 4+: Bann (one division)
- WJ15 2x: Commercial (multiple divisions)
- WJ15 4+: Commercial
- WJ16 1x: E Meade (Commercial)
- WJ16 2x: CGS
- WJ16 4+: CGS
- WJ18 1x: D Deal
- WJ18 2x: Commercial
- WJ18 4x‑: Commercial
- Women’s Masters 1x: L Jenkins (Newry)
- Women’s Masters 2x: Lagan
- Women’s Masters 4+: Lagan
Masters
- Masters 2x: Newry
Club Standouts
- Top performers: CGS, Commercial, Bann, Newry
- Notable wins: Lagan (Women’s Masters), Garda (MJ16 2x), Portadown (MJ16 1x)