The 141st Royal Canadian Henley Regatta: Thunder Bay Rowing Club’s Return to the Big Stage
For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Thunder Bay Rowing Club took to the waters of the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta — North America’s largest rowing event. Over three days, our crews raced against the best in the country, gained invaluable experience, and proudly represented our club colours.
Seija and Mackenzie giving it their all during their heats at the Henley Regatta.
Day 1 – Learning the Standard
We opened our campaign with three races: two Junior Women’s singles and the Senior Men’s pair.
Rebecca – 4th place in Heat 1 of the Junior Women’s 1x (6 competitors)
Seija – 4th place in Heat 10 of the Junior Women’s 1x (7 competitors)
Matej & Alex – 5th place in the Senior Men’s 2- (7 competitors)
Progression rules were tight: only the top two from each single heat advanced to the semifinals, and the top two men’s pairs moved straight to the A final.
While no boats advanced today, the experience was a huge learning moment. Coach Hasan reflected that our goal for this regatta wasn’t simply medals — it was to measure ourselves against the very best. As Liam Parsons noted, “It’s awesome that for our first regatta back in two decades, we look like we belong.”
Rebecca Fequet – 4th place in Heat 1 of the Junior Women’s 1x
Seija Erickson – 4th place in Heat 10 of the Junior Women’s 1x
Matej Rodela & Alex Brown – 5th place in the Senior Men’s 2-
Day 2 – First Crew Advances
Day two brought another three races and our first breakthrough performance.
Alex – 3rd place in the U23 Men’s 1x, just missing the semifinal in one of the toughest heats of the event.
Anne-Marie & Mariah – 7th place in the Senior Women’s 2-, holding with the pack until the 750m mark (top three advanced).
Seija & Mackenzie – 2nd place in the Junior Women’s 2x heat, battling a headwind and advancing to the semifinals — the first Thunder Bay crew to progress in this regatta.
It was another day of hard racing and important lessons, with the regatta atmosphere in full swing — more like a rowing festival than just a competition.
Alex Brown – 3rd place in the U23 Men’s 1x, just missing the semifinal
Anne-Marie Fequet & Mariah MacFarlane – 7th place in the Senior Women’s 2-
Seija Erickson & Mackenzie Thompson – 2nd place in the Junior Women’s 2x heat, advancing to the semifinals
Day 3 – Strong Finishes
Our final day of racing featured three more events:
Seija & Kenzie – 4th place in the U19 Women’s 2- heat (top three advanced).
Anne-Marie & Mariah – 5th place in the Senior Women’s 2x heat (top two advanced).
Seija & Kenzie – 4th place in the U19 Women’s 2x semifinal. Coach Hasan noted they had “no business” still being in the mix for a top-two finish at the 1km mark — a testament to their determination.
Seija & Kenzie – 4th place in the U19 Women’s 2x semifinal
A Proud Return
While we didn’t come home with medals, the regatta was a huge success in our eyes. We measured ourselves against the highest standard in North America, proved that Thunder Bay belongs on this stage, and gained the experience that will guide our training for seasons to come.
We’re already looking forward to building on this momentum — and we’re proud to have worn the TBRC colours with heart, grit, and pride.
