Hammersmith Head is an approximately 2 ¼ mile race from Chiswick Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge. There are 11 crews entered into the W J16 4x-, comprising of Sir William Perkins’s School Rowing Club, St Pauls Girls School Boat Club, Tideway Scullers School, Fulham Reach Boat Club, American School in London Boat Club, Marlow Rowing Club, Latymer Upper School Boat Club, Putney High School Boat Club and Great Marlow School Boat Club.
Tideway Scullers School
This J16 squad has some good breadth after being able to enter both an A and B crews into the W J15 4x at National Schools’ Regatta last year. The A crew finished in 6th place and were not in touching difference of any of the other crews, finishing 5 seconds after the 5th placed crew. This close proximity in the crews shows how this club should be aiming for the top places in this category as they continue to progress both technically and with skills such as their steering abilities.
Marlow Rowing Club
This rowing club has had some significant successes over the past year in this age category. Last year at National Schools’ Regatta the W J15 4x achieved a 3rd Place in the A final with only a gap if 1 second to first place. This positive result early on in these athlete’s careers show how they will be competing for these top places.
Latymer Upper School Boat Club
This is another club who have had some positive results in. the W J15 4x category National Schools’ Regatta last year. This squad achieved a 4th place but only 2 seconds off first showing their competitive spirit. In addition, the higher end had some positive results last year with the senior quad making it to the final of Henley Women’s Regatta so it will be interesting to see whether the technical coaching evident in this crew can improve these J16 athlete’s boat speed.
American School in London Boat Club
Last year this squad achieved few notable achievements with both the A and B crews entered into the W J15 4x category but not making it through the time trial. However, there has been some good improvement from these athletes as they have gained some racing experience. For example, Wallingford Long Distance Sculls was a positive experience to practice steering which is a valuable skill for this race, despite their crew in the W J16 4x- category finishing last.
In this competitive category, we expect to see the likes of Tideway Scullers School, Marlow Rowing Club and Latymer Upper School Boat Club to be competing for the top places. However, the final results will be dependent upon the combination of endurance, power and steering abilities.
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