Racing from Chiswick Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge, Hammersmith Head is a standout in the Head racing calendar. We will see many crews coming to London to get some crucial experience on the Tideway before Women’s Eights Head of the River Race which will give a good indication of the crews to watch in just a few weeks.
Vesta Rowing Club
Vesta has entered two boats into this category and has already had a strong start to 2024 with a win in both the Senior category and Intermediate 2 at Quintin Head. This is following their impressive showing at both Henley Women’s Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta last summer, with multiple crews qualifying showing the depth of their squad.
Auriol Kensington Rowing Club
With two crews entered into this category, Auriol Kensington will be looking to make an impression on home water. After placing second in Intermediate 1 at Quintin Head, the Reakes-Williams crew will be taking this opportunity to prove themselves and aim for the win.
Wallingford Rowing Club
Quintin Head saw Wallingford racing in the Senior category and place just four seconds after Auriol Kensington on time. After a strong finish to their season in Henley last year, they will be aiming to build on that this season and close the gap.
Mortlake Anglian & Alpha Boat Club
This Mortlake crew was also four seconds behind Wallingford at Quintin Head and beat the University of Bristol by only two. They will be looking to maintain this position during the rematch on the Tideway and gain good racing experience for the rest of the season.
University of Bristol Boat Club
This is the University of Bristol’s second-ranked crew with their first in the championship category. It would be an oversight to underestimate this crew after both of Bristol’s crews had a solid summer of racing to finish last season which has been continued by finishing second in Intermediate 2 at Quintin Head.
London Rowing Club
Another crew to watch is London RC. They have multiple boats entered, with this particular crew being their third. After some strong results from Quintin Head and plenty of Tideway experience already this season, this London crew may have what it takes to fight for one of the top spots.
Predictions
Vesta have already proven themselves this season to be a club to watch, yet Auriol Kensington and London may have what it takes to challenge for first place on race day. The middle of the pack will also see a close rematch between the crews and could produce some exciting racing with multiple other crews who are yet to prove themselves on this stretch of the Tideway.
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