With 2024 now in full swing, we begin the climb toward the major Tideway events and the heat of the summer season. Hampton Head, run over a three kilometre stretch of the Thames, will provide these crews with much-needed small boat experience amidst head season full cancelled races. In a time brewing with the possibilities of GB trials and seat races, this is more important than ever. The 14 crews entered into this event look to test their strength, skill and nerve in what is one of the most tumultuous head events: the dreaded pair.
Henley Rowing Club
With not many small boat events to look at, it is hard to assess the specific skill that is required to move a pair. With this being said, the strength of Henley’s program has already proven itself with their two eights placing 1st and 8th a couple of weeks ago at Quintin head. With two crews entered (seemingly from their second eight) they look to provide tough competition for the others racing this weekend
Surbiton High School Boat Club
Having relative success at Quintin Head, placing seventh, Surbiton have also entered two crews into the pairs event this weekend with hopes to challenge for the win. Only a stone’s throw from their boat house, perhaps these girls will fare better with their steering this narrow and complex course.
Emanuel School Boat Club
While not placing highly in the eights event at Quintin head, the crew from Emanuel School have experience racing J18 pairs at National Schools’ last year and placed fourth. While we cannot know definitively what forms the athletes are in, any experience is vital in this event.
Predictions
In a boat class where two athletes can prove themselves by rising above the strength of their larger crews it is harder to predict which individuals will rise to the top. With this being said, I suspect that the girls from Henley will take the victory this weekend. As for second and third I think the field lays wide open and could be anyone’s game.
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