With the peak of the head race season only a couple of weeks away, plenty of clubs look to have entered boats for Hammersmith Head this weekend. They will be looking to get some racing practice over the 4.5km course, ready to handle whatever weather conditions may be thrown at them on the Tideway stretch. 13 eights are entered in the club category this Saturday.
Imperial College Boat Club
Imperial seems to have decided to keep some of its athletes at home rather than make the trip up to the Tyne for BUCS Head this weekend. Potentially their second boat, judging by the “B” on the start order, the practice run for WEHORR may be more valuable than travelling up to Newcastle come March.
University of Exeter Boat Club
Exeter University also seems to have selected the shorter journey to competition this coming weekend, opting for the Tideway over the Tyne. However, it is interesting that they have not chosen to prioritise BUCS (often a favourite race for University crews), and I could imagine this eight may be wanting to test their speed on the Tideway to potentially prioritising a WEHORR Pennant over a BUCS Head medal.
Cantabrigian Rowing Club
Cantabridgian RC or more commonly referred to as “Cantabs” won the Provincial Club Pennant at WEHORR 2024, for the highest-placed club crew not based on the Thames. Whilst they also have crews in both championship/intermediate categories for Hammersmith Head, the club’s experience of success on the Tideway should hopefully aid this eight at the weekend.
Vesta Rowing Club
Vesta have three boats entered across the Championship/Intermediate categories, so this Club crew would supposedly be their fourth eight. However, they have seen plenty of success so far this season – winning the Development eight pennant at Remenham Head, and recently placing third in Development eight at Quintin Head. This racing experience on their home stretch of river will have set them up well to compete for the win this weekend.
Prediction
After their outstanding recent performances, its hard not to overlook Vesta to take the victory. However, this will not come easy with Cantabrigian hot on their heels, keen for another successful head racing season and to put them in good stead for the upcoming WEHORR. Next up and coming victorious out of the universities, I expect Exeter University to make a comfortable bid for third place, and will be seeking to capitalise on this essential tideway practice.
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