The 2025 edition of open championship eights at Hammersmith Head promises an exceptional line-up, with club, university, and school crews all gearing up to challenge one another on the historic Thames. These athletes are not only racing against high-calibre opposition but are also testing themselves against the relentless tidal waters. With the Head of the River Race fast approaching, each crew will be looking to gauge their progress and refine their strategies ahead of that all-important showdown.
We are now well over halfway through the domestic rowing season, and this weekend offers a perfect benchmark to measure the success of those countless hours spent on erg and early morning outings. For many, it is the final opportunity to make adjustments before the 2025 head season culminates. The stakes are high, and the weekend performances will no doubt reveal who is on track for a successful regatta season.
St. Paul’s School Boat Club
The first crew to take to the course will likely be the St. Paul’s J18 eight. After a strong performance at Quintin Head a few weeks ago, where they finished second overall, they have spent the last few weeks honing their skills at Dorney Lake in preparation for greater tests to come. The fact that they feel confident enough to race in the premier men’s division – and lead it off by virtue of their exceptional performances over the course of the last couple of years – demonstrates the calibre of this boat club. With a slew of strong results from the most recent U19 trials, the boys in black and white will be focused on taking home the headship this weekend.
University of London
The University of London (UL) is entering this weekend’s race with a wealth of preparation behind them. Having already competed in trial eights, Quintin Head, and a fixture against London Rowing Club, they are one of the most battle-tested crews coming into this event. Their experience on the Tideway this season has been nothing short of impressive, and they will be looking to continue their resurgence after a disappointing 2022/2023 season.
The 2023/2024 season, however, was a dramatic turnaround. With a haul of medals at BUCS Regatta and five crews racing at Henley, UL has reasserted itself as a club to beware. Their comeback has been one for the history books, and the momentum they’ve built will no doubt fuel them as they look to make further strides in 2025. This race will be another critical checkpoint in their quest for success.
Molesey BC
Molesey Boat Club has quickly gone from being an outsider last year to one of the most formidable forces in the Tideway rowing community. Having secured second place in the 2024 event and enjoyed a strong Henley Royal Regatta campaign, they are undoubtedly a club to watch. Their performances have demonstrated that they’re a crew capable of competing at the highest level. Molesey’s future looks promising with a growing squad and a settled head coach at the helm.
London Rowing Club
London Rowing Club (LRC) enters this event with one of the strongest line-ups in the field. With multiple entries in the championship eights, LRC is a club that can never be overlooked. Although they won’t get the chance to avenge their recent defeat at the hands of Thames at the Boustead Cup, they can secure their second headship of the year after securing the win at Quintin Head in January. Their victory in the 2024 edition of the Hammersmith Head further proves they can dominate on their home course, and they’ll be looking to retain that title.
Over the past several seasons, LRC has been on a steady rise, and they’ve now logged multiple consecutive successful campaigns, both locally and at major regattas. With their sights set on another strong spring campaign and a Henley Royal Regatta Trophy challenge, they will be ready to put on a show.
Prediction
While University of London, St Paul’s School and Molesey Boat Club are undoubtedly formidable competitors, I believe London Rowing Club has the best chance of claiming the title this year. Their preparation, momentum from last season, and depth of talent put them in an excellent position to edge out the competition. However, as always on the Tideway, anything can happen and injuries, illness and unsettled line-ups can all play a role in these early season showdowns.
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