The 2025 CARA Season: Rivalries, Breakthroughs, and a Shifting Tide for 2026
The 2025 Coast Amateur Rowing Association season delivered one of the most competitive and story‑rich campaigns in years. Across ten regattas — from the early‑season opener at Bexhill to the late‑summer finale at Worthing — the year was shaped by dominant clubs, rising juniors, and a handful of dramatic championship battles that will define the narrative heading into 2026.
Shoreham: The Benchmark for Consistency
Shoreham entered the season with high expectations and delivered on every front. Their strength lay not in isolated standout events but in a deep, balanced squad that scored points across almost every category. Their women’s squad was particularly impressive, taking control of the Women’s Junior Fours Women’s Masters Fours and performing strongly in sculling events. Shoreham’s ability to place boats in the top positions week after week made them the most reliable force in the league.
Herne Bay: Sculling Specialists with Growing Depth
Herne Bay once again proved themselves the association’s sculling powerhouse. Their senior scullers were consistently at the front of the field, and their women’s squad added valuable points throughout the season. While they didn’t quite match Shoreham’s breadth across sweep events, their technical proficiency in small boats kept them firmly in the top tier of clubs.
Deal: A Resurgent Sweep‑Boat Power
Deal’s 2025 season marked a return to form, particularly in the men’s sweep events. Their Senior Pairs were the standout crew of the year, and their Senior Fours battled fiercely throughout the season. Deal also produced one of the most dominant junior scullers on the circuit, adding to their growing momentum. Though their league position didn’t fully reflect their championship strength, Deal re‑established themselves as a club capable of winning the biggest races.
Dover: Grit, Determination, and Big‑Race Performances
Dover’s season was defined by resilience. They were competitive across multiple categories, particularly in the women’s novice and junior sweep events. Their Senior Fours pushed Deal hard all year, and their consistent mid‑table finishes across the regattas earned them a strong league position. Dover may not have had the depth of the top clubs, but they made up for it with determination and well‑timed peak performances.
Worthing: Junior Firepower and Women’s Pairing Strength
Worthing’s junior programme was one of the standout stories of the season. Their Junior Fours were a dominant force, and their women’s senior pair proved to be one of the most effective partnerships on the coast. Worthing’s overall league position didn’t fully capture the quality of their top crews, but their junior athletes in particular look poised to shape the future of the association.
Hastings: A Breakthrough Year in Women’s Sculling
Hastings enjoyed a season of targeted success, highlighted by a breakout performance in the Women’s Junior Sculls. Their sculler in this category was one of the most consistent winners of the year. Hastings also picked up valuable points in novice and masters events, showing signs of a club rebuilding with purpose and direction.
Eastbourne: Masters Dominance and Steady Progress
Eastbourne’s masters crews were among the most reliable performers of the season, particularly in the 40+ categories. They also enjoyed success in novice sweep events and remained competitive in women’s senior pairs. Their balanced squad allowed them to maintain a strong league position and build momentum for the future.
Bexhill, Folkestone, and Southsea: Strong Moments Across the Season
Several clubs outside the top tier produced memorable performances:
- Bexhill showed real strength in transitional sweep categories, particularly the J/S Fours.
- Folkestone delivered one of the most dominant junior pairs crews of the entire season.
- Southsea performed well across women’s novice and junior events and made a strong showing at the South Coast Championships.
These clubs may not have topped the league, but they contributed significantly to the competitive depth of the season.
Looking Ahead: Predictions for the 2026 Season
Based on the patterns of 2025, several clear storylines are emerging for the year ahead.
Shoreham remain the club to beat
Their depth across women’s, masters, and double sculling events gives them a strong foundation. Unless another club makes a major leap, Shoreham will enter 2026 as favourites for the league title once again.
Deal could dominate the senior open sweep events
With championship‑winning crews in both Open Senior Pairs and Senior Fours, Deal are well‑positioned to challenge for senior sweep boat titles especially if their much vaunted women’s senior crew makes an appearance… If their junior scullers continue to develop, they could become a major all‑round threat. Unless Dover or Shoreham, who both showed promise in these events last year can step up.
Herne Bay will continue to lead the small‑boat categories
Their sculling programme remains one of the strongest on the coast. Expect them to retain their grip on senior sculling and push for more women’s titles.
Worthing’s juniors are ready to step up
Their Junior Fours and Junior Sculls athletes are maturing quickly. Worthing could become a major force in the junior/senior category this year. Can they climb the league table as their young rowers transition into senior categories.
Hastings continued rise in sculling?
Can Hastings build on their current leading standpoint in women’s sculling and bring on some of their newer rowers or men to take wins in scaulling?
Eastbourne’s masters crews will remain a dominant force
Their consistency and depth in the masters categories suggest they will continue to control these events in 2026… unless Bexhill or Shoreham can revive either of their championship winning crews from less recent history that is…
