As February mornings retain their chilly temperature, the eagerly anticipated Hampton Head is set to unfold this Saturday over 3000 meters of intense racing. The WJ16s quad category boasts an impressive entry of 17 crews, forecasting an exhilarating competition among some of the finest in the field. The weather promising excellent racing conditions adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, where only the best crew can claim victory.
AB Severn Rowing Club
Typically observed in smaller boat categories, this quad is comprised of formidable scullers who undoubtedly work together to form a powerful team. Their skill was evident at the British Junior Championships, where they confidently secured the bronze medal, showcasing their technique and speed on the national stage. Adding to their achievements are the sculling medals from the previous year’s Junior Inter-Regional Regatta, solidifying AB Severn as a crew to watch.
Surbiton High School Boat Club
Following their recent success with a silver medal at Quintin Head, Surbiton High School BC are set to chase victory with both their A and B quads on Saturday. Claiming both a bronze in the first eights and a silver in the second eights, a wide breadth of talent can be seen across the squad. This strength enables Surbiton to consistently fight for gold and become a well-known name on the racing circuit.
Kingston Rowing Club
Founded in 1858, Kingston RC is one of the oldest rowing clubs in the world. They house an impressive junior section who constantly perform at national and international level. Their WJ16s are no exception to this with a 10th place finish at National Schools’ Regatta last year and a 9th place finish at The Oarsport Junior Sculling Head further proving their impressive status on the water. No doubt planning to improve on these finishes this season, Kingston will be racing for the win this weekend.
Kingston Grammar School Boat Club
Commencing just ahead of Kingston Rowing Club is Kingston Grammar School, known for being the home of rowing legend James Cracknell. The school’s quad exhibits an unrivalled strategy that earned them fourteenth place at the National Schools’ Regatta. In a challenging race against Molesey, the crew displayed composure and skill, crossing the finish line with Molesey just behind – a feat they will aim to replicate this weekend.
Molesey Boat Club
Having finished just behind Kingston Grammar at the National Schools’, Molesey will be set on a mission of revenge to secure their coveted spot in the top three. Their endurance over longer distances was demonstrated with a 12th position at The Scullery, proving their skill during the demanding winter head season. With previous experience against many of the competitors, Molesey is well aware of what it takes to claim victory in Hampton.
Prediction
I believe the hotly contested win will eventually go to AB Severn who are followed home by Kingston Rowing Club. However, the most intense racing will be for third position between Kingston Grammar School and Molesey BC which I think the latter will claim. Surbiton, while putting on a strong performance, would just miss out and round off the top five.
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