British Masters 2026: Medals and Memories in Nottingham

The British Masters at Nottingham this past weekend (13–14 June 2026) provided a memorable two-day test of skill, endurance, and adaptability for the PBDRC squad.

The regatta was a true “tale of two halves” in terms of conditions. Saturday delivered the quintessential Nottingham experience—challenging, choppy water and unpredictable gusts that demanded total focus from both crews and singles. In contrast, Sunday was a masterclass in summer racing, offering flat, glassy water and wall-to-wall sunshine, reminding us exactly why we spend our weekends on the regatta circuit.

Representing the club in Nottingham were Andrea, Anita, Joelle, JP, Taran, and Vicky. Across the board, the squad showed immense grit and promise, resulting in several standout performances.

Podium Highlights

The highlight of the weekend belonged to Andrea, who delivered an exceptional race on Sunday to power her way to a gold medal. It was a fantastic achievement and the club’s only gold of the regatta.

The podiums were a familiar sight for the rest of the squad, with several athletes securing hard-fought silverware:

• Anita: After a thrilling Sunday race, Anita demonstrated brilliant tenacity. Having been two to three lengths down at the 500m mark, she staged a magnificent comeback to claim a well-deserved second place, missing the top spot by a whisker.

• Joelle: Following a competitive heat on Saturday, Joelle successfully navigated her way to the final. She carried that momentum into Sunday, fighting hard through a tough field to secure second place in a photo finish.

• Taran: Taran looked in complete control for the majority of her race, holding the lead and looking set for victory. Despite a gallant effort, a late surge from her rivals in the final 250m saw them edge ahead, leaving Taran with a hard-earned silver medal.

• JP: Sunday saw a flying start from JP, who established a commanding lead early on. He held off the chasing scullers with skill, but a brush with a buoy in the closing stages of the race unfortunately disrupted his rhythm and allowed the pack to close in. Despite the setback, JP maintained his composure to cross the line for a well-earned third place.

Progress and Perspective

Away from the podiums, the weekend served as a vital building block for the remainder of the season. After facing some difficult conditions on Saturday, Vicky showed great character, returning to the water on Sunday to deliver a solid, controlled performance as she continues her return from injury.

Overall, it was a highly successful weekend. The squad’s strong performances and the depth of talent on display provide a fantastic platform for us to build on as the season progresses. Well done to everyone who competed!