3 Harbours Celtic Longboat Winter Series
Published 09:51 on 10 Mar 2026
On Saturday 7th March 2026 DQ rowers attended the 3rd and final event of the 3 Harbours Celtic Longboat Winter Series competition.
2026 is the second year of the series and whilst DQ attended this event as the reigning harbour champions they arrived in the knowledge they trailed Langstone Cutters Rowing Club by 7 points.
Langstone had rowed well this season, demonstrating strength and depth across Mens', Ladies and Mixed crews and the prospect of clawing back 7 points was a tall order. To compound the issue, DQ crews were constrained by absences through injury and illness. A number of rowers had to fill gaps by rowing in more than one crew.
On the day conditions were perfect for racing the 2.5 kilometer course. Sprint races from a standing start were the order of the day. 8 clubs were in attendance, representing Emsworth Slipper SC, Emsworth SC, Langstone Cutters RC, Coastal Rowing Academy RC, Bosham SC, Chichester YC, Tudor SC, and Dell Quay SC.
DQ Mens' crew comprised Cox Nikki Buchanan, Nigel Foster, James Hooper, Pete Haig and Iain Campbell. They set about business as usual and claimed 1st place, some 1 minute and 14 seconds ahead of their closest competitors. Langstone Men were 4th.
DQ Ladies, comprising Cox Richard Weavis, Sharon Crouch, Ally Forrest, Nikki Buchanan and Jenny Webb started well but suffered a disruptive event during the course of their race. They showed great resilience and recovered well to finish the course in 6th position, a creditable feat under the circumstances. Langstone ladies, who have consistently been the strongest ladies crew in 2026 took first place.
DQ mixed crew Cox Damian Hamilton, Nigel Foster, James Hooper, Ally Forrest and Sharon Crouch secured 3rd position in their race. Langstone again showed their strength in depth with another first place. We await official publication of results for the 3 Harbours Celtic Winter Series.
Warmest thanks to Emsworth Slipper for hosting a fantastic event and sincere congratulations to Langstone Cutters Rowing Club for their achievement.
DQ Men receiving 1st place awards.
