Docklands Head 2025: Highlights the Spirit of Rowing in East London

A massive well done and thank you to everyone who raced, supported, and volunteered at the Docklands Head race, Sunday, 9 November 2025!

It was a truly superb day for racing on the water. The conditions were near perfect, treating the 173 competing crews in two divisions to mild temperatures, bright sunshine, and only a gentle breeze along the challenging 2750m course, which ran from the Royal Victoria Dock into the Royal Albert Dock.

While the fastest boats overall this year belonged to Lea RC, who took home the Head of the River prizes for both the Open 8+ and the Women’s 8+, PBDRC delivered a fantastic set of performances. The full results are available here.

Our Club Captain, Ben Gliniecki, summed up the feeling perfectly: “All the club members who volunteered their time and effort made it a superb event for Poplar. Everyone who raced did the club proud, and special congratulations go to Andrea, who was the fastest women’s single on the water (unfortunately losing out on a medal due to masters handicaps), and Charlotte, who was the second fastest women’s single at the Head and the winner of the W 1x event 🥇 Outstanding work.”

Events like this rely on community support, and PBDRC is incredibly grateful to the London Regatta Centre for once again hosting the event. We also extend huge thanks to the Umpires and Sea Cadets for their invaluable support, and a special shout-out to the French students from Amos Sport Business School for volunteering their time and effort to help run the day smoothly! We’d also like to thank our partners Trident Medical, Radio Links, Private Parking Management, Tiptoes and Trophyland.

We’re already looking forward to next year! Mark you calendar for Poplar Regatta,17 May 2026.