Kathryn Langsford

The naming of first Women’s Lightweight 8 of the combined CUBC honours Kath Langsford, the inaugural Lightweight Captain of the CUWBC. Having come up to Clare, she stroked Blondie in 1983 and was asked by the 1984 President Nonie Ray to drive the effort to the 1984 Henley Boat Races.

Kath led her crew through uncharted waters to a famous victory against OUWLRC, building a nationally competitive crew. Not only was the initial CUWBC crew victorious in Henley, they were selected to represent GB at Ghent International, and half the crew represented GB that year at World Championships. Her efforts through this season and the next set the standard for the crews of fast and determined women who have followed since 1984.