Preparing for their first Women’s Head of the River race together are the Falcon senior women’s eight. The crew began training seven months ago after a racing squad was brought together by coach Howard Jacobs.  The crew will be coxed for WeHORR by Masters race-winning club member Naomi Sharma.

The crew, who’ve already had some good results in several competitive events, attribute their success to commitment and determination, regular hard work on the ergs, and the positive attitude and enthusiasm shown by Howard, who is keen to encourage more Falcon women to join the racers.  They are now in the process of increasing the racing squad and possibly forming a second eight.

Much of the organisation for the WeHORR eight is being done by Iolanda Vendrell.  Falcon’s Vice-Captain, Mary Heather Crowther, frequently coxes their training outings. The crew are also supported by coach Holly Stead and a few loyal subs.  Half the crew were rowing novices just a year ago, but nearly everyone has an impressive sporting ‘pedigree’ – whether marathon running, triathlons, cycling or university and gig rowing.

The iconic WeHORR is the only race in the UK where novices can compete in the same race as Olympic champions.  It has an age range of 15 to 70-plus.  This year, it takes place on the Tideway on 11th March, where Falcon’s boat Aquila Eagle (Number 175 in the draw) will do battle with another 320 women’s eights.