Hampton Head returns once more this year, but the swollen river will ensure a quick and exciting race for all. The number of racing crews has grown to over 500, meaning that there will be a lot of action to watch. With only 3000m to work with, this head race is somewhat unorthodox in its distance, but we will be sure to see some very quick times come Saturday. Coxes and bowmen across all events will have to bring their A-game if they are to make the most of the strong stream. The field for J16 quads is very diverse this year, with an entry from Molesey BC, Guilford RC, as well as two entries from both Mossbourne RA and Key House School BC, just to name a few.
Molesey Boat Club
Molesey Boat Club have a reputation for producing fine rowers, including many who have gone on to join the national squad. Not only this, but the club is also local, meaning that they will have experience racing in similar water conditions. There is also some serious talent in this quad, with the stroke man Headon having placed 2nd overall in the J15 4x+ at National Schools’ Regatta last year. It is also very possible that other members of this quad were in the successful NSR crew.
Kingston Rowing Club
With its status as one of the oldest rowing clubs in the UK, Kingston has had rowers compete at the highest level both nationally and internationally. The quad entered into Hampton are a mix of the boat club’s J16 A and B quad, meaning that they will have plenty of wattage and finesse. Kingston also has the advantage of having raced the course several times due to its proximity to their home stretch. However, the newly formed crew may not have much experience racing together, meaning that they will certainly be tested. An 11th place at National Schools’ last year will mean that this crew has some serious experience behind them and will be looking to prove themselves.
Guildford Rowing Club
Much like Kingston and Molesey, Guildford Rowing Club are a very established and successful club in the world of British rowing. With a squad of 140 junior rowers, Guildford is sure to have some impressive squad depth. Last year, the Guilford quad came 7th at NSR, winning the B final. More notable is the fact that their time would have placed them second, had they been rowing in the A final. There is definitely the possibility of a Guilford victory on Saturday, and it will be exciting to see how they do.
Tiffin School Boat Club
Tiffin is a very solid boat club, with alumni in the Boat Race and at Henley. Their J16 quad shows much promise, coming off of several amazing performances last year. At the National Schools’, both the J15 1st 4x as well as the J15 2nd 4x achieved 3rd overall, putting them in serious contention for a medal at Hampton. The stroke man, Nelson, was in the 2nd 4x last year but will be sure to put up a great performance.
Predictions
The quality of racing this weekend will be outstanding, with two out of the top three crews from the National Schools’ Regatta last year. I think that either Molesey or Tiffin will clinch the victory, with Kingston close behind considering their familiarity with the waters.
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