The high morale of the Navy’s rowers was partly justified when they took on RMA Sandhurst and the Army in Ely.

The sailors scored a convincing win over the military cadets, but lost by a margin to a strong Army side.

Next up was the Kingston Head, where, in a strong field of London and college crews, the RN came fourth.

Foul weather stopped the winter season finale, the Head of the River Race, where the Navy had hoped for a top 100 finish.

The high point of the rowing calendar was the Joint Services Regatta. The first win was afforded the scratch eight from BRNC, Dartmouth and friends who put in a strong performance and beat the Gibraltar Regiment.

Wins followed in the pairs event and the novice and senior single sculls.

The RN Eight demonstrated the results of hard training by putting in strong performances against the Army, Sandhurst and RAF in the Inter-Services final.

The team saw off the RAF, and came within a whisker of beating the Army, but eventually finished third.

Performances overall this season have been encouraging – and a reward for months of training and coaching.

Details of the squad can be obtained from cox and captain S/Lt James Fickling at HMS Collingwood, on men@navy.rowing.org.uk