The Race was “invented” by the late Richard Burnett and the late Derek Dunckley of Vesta Rowing Club in 1982. The Men’s Head of the River Race had grown beyond the maximum number of crews that could be accommodated over the course, and it was decided that veteran (masters) entries could no longer be accepted.

“Right” said Derek, “we’ll have our own ------- race!” Those who met him will recall his colourful language. The Race started very modestly and unofficially, but quickly developed into an event attracting a very high number of overseas crews, many of whom now come every year. By the mid Nineties, the Head had grown to over 100 entries, being the number above which the River has to be closed to other traffic, meaning only those involved in the Race can be on the water. Since then the categories have been extended from men only; first to women, then to mixed VIIIs, and more recently to Novice veterans and even Octuples and Quad sculls. The Race has also kept up to speed over the years with the developing requirements for both safety and communications. All this has enabled the Race to grow into an established and prestigious event in the international Rowing Calendar, whilst remaining an enjoyable day, proudly run by the members of Vesta Rowing Club.

Since its creation, the race has been widely known as the Vets Head but it’s full name was in fact “The Vesta International Veterans’ Head of the River Race for eights”. The word Veteran only officially coming into the title 10 years ago. The event and indeed our sport has moved on and so the event will change its name in 2023 to the “The Vesta International Masters Head of the River Race” or “The Masters Head” for short.