MOLESEY HEAD RACES
20/2/25
It was with enormous disappointment that we had to take the decision to cancel the Molesey Head Races, not least because we were forced to cancel in 2024 as well. As you will have been aware, it had looked likely on the Wednesday (12th) that river conditions would improve sufficiently, but this was sadly not the case on Friday (14th). As we write, the river flow is now only about 100 cu.m./sec.
Given the comparatively late decision a number of unavoidable expenses were incurred, but we are able to make a refund of 85% of the entry fees. These will be made by the end of today.
We look forward to seeing you in warmer times, at the Molesey Regattas on 19 and 20 July.
The Molesey Amateur Regatta Committee.
14/2/25 Friday at 12.10
CANCELLED !
With great regret we are cancelling the event on water safety grounds. We have always stated that we will not run the event on an EA red status. It is not predicted to change by tomorrow – race day.
EA red flags have not reduced overnight below Oxford, and the stream on the Molesey stretch is still uncomfortably fast using our measurement method.
Thank you for your forbearance, and we hope to see you at Molesey Amateur and Junior Regattas on 19/20 July, and the 2026 Head Races.
Mark Stollery, Chief Umpire
Patrick Sinnott, Safety Advisor
Ted Bates, Secretary
14/2/25
The committee would like to thank the 50 or more volunteers who have promised their time to tomorrow, and to all the rowers and coaches involved in the racing and making preparations.
13/2/25 Thursday
We have decided to decide whether to go ahead or not until 11 a.m. on Friday so that the up to date EA status can be checked.
12/2/25 Wednesday
Hello everyone – well we have checked the river- and have decided on a conditional go ahead. Here is our verdict:
The organisers reviewed river conditions at 1200 on Wednesday 12 February. Although the EA Flag status is currently Red, the local river level is normal and the stream is not a cause for concern. There are other reasons for optimism:
-the Met Office forecast is for no rain upstream for the rest of the week
– locks have been releasing as much water as possible in the last couple of days to clear the backlog from recent rains (explaining current high flow rates), and some stretches are now reducing to Amber flags
– Saturday’s forecast is for light winds and a temperature of 5-6°
In short, we are optimistic that conditions may well improve and allow the Head to proceed as planned. But a final decision will be taken at 0900 on Friday.
EXPLORE
We will in future, at our Heads and the Regatta be including a category for EXPLORE under this definition:
“Explore rowers will be members of an Explore group within a rowing club, having a maximum of two years’ experience and racing in a Mixed 4x+, in a touring/stable style boat. They must be RACE members of British Rowing or hold a day ticket”.
Ted Bates
Secretary