Poplar flies at Henley Masters 2026

With exceptionally strong competition at Henley Masters, five Poplar crews raced across three days. Under oppressive heat and windy conditions, we wrapped the weekend with 1x win, 1x finalist, 1x semi-finalist, and 2x quarter-finalists.

Andrea’s W Mas C category was a tall order with no less than four races across the event. She charged onto the scene in her heat, “easily” taking a win over Globe. However in the quarter-final, Upton Rowing Club made it a solid battle and moved ahead to the semi-finals.

Joelle’s W Mas E quarter-final was equally competitive. Despite a proud fight to the end, Marlow moved through to the semi-finals.

The Open MasB 4x with Ben G, Ben M, Tommy and Nathan stormed their quarter-final, beating Cantabrigian by 4 lengths. In the semi-final, the crew rapidly recovered from an early crab and put the pressure on Tideway Scullers but ran out of water in a close finish.

Taran faced off with Llandaff Rowing Club in the W Mas B semi-final, quickly overtaking and holding a convincing lead to win by 3.5 lengths. Despite a quicker race in the finals, Peterborough City came away with the win.

Our Poplar winner was Bob Milligan in the Open MasH quad, with the Upper Thames, Poplar, Quintin composite. Following a very quick semi-final win against Maidstone Invicta, they had a nail-biting final against Detroit Boat Club, USA. After trailing slightly at halfway, the crew fought hard and moved into the lead with seconds remaining, ultimately winning by half a boat-length. An incredibly satisfying way to end a weekend of tough racing.

Thank you to all the family, friends and previous Poplar members for making the trip and supporting the racers. A special mention to JP who, despite a disappointing withdrawal due to injury, was cheering from the banks never-the-less.

A huge congratulations to all crews for proudly bringing the Poplar stripes to one of the most competitive stretches of water in the country.