Rowing Races Return to the Ouse

York Small Boats Head Takes Over the City on 23rd November

York’s historic River Ouse will come alive with action on Sunday 23rd November as up to 280 rowing crews take to the water for the annual York Small Boats Head — a major fixture in the British Rowing calendar for more than a century.

Racing begins at 10:15am, with crews battling upstream to a dramatic finish at King’s Staith in the heart of the city. Rowers will travel from across the country, representing clubs from Lincolnshire, Durham, Tees, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield, Marlow, Whitby, and even London’s Vesta Rowing Club. Local crews will also be out in force, including entries from York City, St John’s, St Peter’s (including the Guy Fawkes crews), and the University of York.

Unlike the famous eights seen in the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race, the Small Boats Head features a variety of smaller craft:

• Fours and quads

• Pairs and doubles

• And the nimble single sculls, in which York City Rowing Club recently secured five wins at Chester Long Distance Sculls.

The challenging 3km course runs from Fulford through the city centre, sweeping under Skeldergate Bridge before the final push to King’s Staith. With racing sessions from 10:15am to midday, and again from 2:10pm, spectators will have plenty of opportunities to soak up the atmosphere.

The event offers some of the best rowing viewpoints in the region, including:

• Millennium Bridge

• The riverbank on the Minster side

• The Blue Bridge, with views of the full straight

• Skeldergate Bridge

• And the bustling finish at King’s Staith

York City Rowing Club has also announced a new partnership with Lil’s Bistro at King’s Staith. Lil’s will offer exclusive discounts on food and drink for those involved in the racing and will sponsor a meal for two for the fastest men’s and women’s crews. Nearby venues including The Lowther and The Waterfront will also be open for spectators throughout the day.

The YCRC clubhouse, located just upstream of Lendal Bridge, will be a hive of activity, with visiting crews boating from the site and warm food and drinks available.

Whether you’re a rowing enthusiast or simply looking for a unique day out in the city, the York Small Boats Head is a brilliant opportunity to enjoy thrilling racing, support local athletes, and take in York’s majestic river scenery.

Get down to the Ouse on 23rd November and cheer the crews on!