NATIONAL SCHOOLS’ REGATTA
Annual Report 2025
For the 78[th] National Schools’ Regatta we made a move back to Holme Pierrepont, National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham which had long been the home of NSR until 2016. Moving the event to Nottingham from Dorney required a lot of logistical input from the whole committee and I would like to thank everyone for putting in the time and effort to get everything in place for the event. Working with centre staff, with each side learning about other was productive and positive on the whole.
The interest in the regatta remains very high, with nearly 1,200 entries, giving over 5000 young rowers the chance to compete over the 3 days of racing. Spectator support was strong, once again and the sheer number of marque bookings provided us with a logistical challenge on the new site.
The weather, however, did cause a bit of a headache, and it was really disappointing to lose day 3. I believe we made the correct decision and that it was made at the right time. Like many, I hoped for a change in the forecast, as the week progressed but when it was clear that was not going to happen, the call was made. We did manage to re-arranged things a little to get as much done on Saturday as we could. As it turned out, we made the right decision as the storm that hit across the country on Sunday would have made any racing impossible. The lane draw was adjusted to ensure fairness in the cross wind.
In contrast Friday was a very nice day and the J14 and J15 crews racing that day enjoyed good water and conditions and great racing. Saturday was more of a challenge but racing was concluded and very well contested. When all costs were counted, we agreed to refund 50% of the Sunday entry fees back to the schools and clubs, as per our stated intent in our documentation.
Through working with contractors and partners, and through good, though reduced sales from our regatta shop partner, the Regatta was able to make a small surplus, enabling us to maintain a working reserve for future planning as well as allowing us to make good on a number of the requests for funds we received this year. This year we have awarded grants to one northern state school club, and four rowing clubs (two in the south and two in the north), grants being in the range £6,000 to £7,500, with the money going towards purchase of 3 quad sculls, 1 coaching/safety launch (for a junior club) and 1 octuple.
The Regatta is actively encouraging applications from potential projects that promote the sport amongst Juniors. To help with this we are producing an application form to go on our updated
website, indicating what information is useful for us to hear and that will enable us to give full consideration and support.
Following fruitful discussions with Eton College and Dorney Lake Enterprise, the Regatta will take place at Eton Dorney in 2026. As Chairman of the Regatta, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful group of Committee Members, who all give of their time and expertise freely and cheerfully – and very effectively.
Mike Martin Chairman
NATIONAL SCHOOLS' REGATTA Accounts to Year-ended 31 Dec 2025
Charity No.801658
| 2025 CHARITY ACCOUNT Balance Brought Forward Income Regatta Surplus Turnover royalty (above core) Elite Merchandise core royalty Income Total Expenditure Grants made Expenditure Total |
1,150.15 10,000.00 0.00 17,500.00 |
|---|---|
| 28,650.15 26,660.00 |
|
| 26,660.00 | |
| Surplus(Deficit) Carried Forward | 1,990.15 |