The HOCR claims to be the world’s largest three-day rowing event. The course is roughly three miles upstream and is said to be one of the harder head races to steer so the crews entered this weekend will certainly have their work cut out for them. For us Brits, the HOCR gives us a good indication of which British crews reckon themselves to be a strong choice for the upcoming season and this year we have two entries in the form of St. Paul’s and KCS Wimbledon. That being said, the home competition in 2023 seems to be tough in the form of major clubs such as Row America Rye and Oakland Strokes.
St. Pauls School Boat Club
Last years Henley finalists, St. Pauls return to Boston after six years away. The last time they were here their 17′-18′ crew, often regarded as the best ever schoolboy crew, set the record and marked the beginning of their quadruple winning season, wiping the floor with any and all competition. Does Bobby Thatcher see himself with a crew to match the likes of 2018? On paper this crew should have some real speed; six of the eight rowers return from the GB U19 Squad, with the likes of Peerless and Karadogan from the U19 eight, P. Wild from the pair and Wolfensberger returns from the 4-. From the coupe squad returns new transfer A. Wild and Sam Fowlie. A majority of this eight also returns from last years National Schools’ Regatta silver medalist crew so this boat should have what it takes to challenge the Americans. However, starting 74th in the draw will have them battling their way through some of a slower field.
Row America Rye
Having spoken to some American rowers, Row America Rye seem to be the home favourites. The Rye program is one of the strongest clubs in the US, finishing as 2023 Youth Nationals Eight winner. The program took home 29 national titles across the field last year, so they are not going to be short of talented oarsmen to carry them down the Charles River this Sunday. Starting third in the draw, they won’t be washed down by other crews and have that competitive edge over Paul’s.
Oakland Strokes
Based in California, the Oakland program is one of the strongest programs on the west coast, placing second at Nationals last year. They might be a touch behind Rye, but the narrative between these two boats should be fascinating to watch. Let’s see if either are tempted to send a crew eastward to Henley Royal Regatta this summer.
St. Josephs Prep
St Joe’s Prep came over to Henley this year after winning the Stotesbury Cup and fell to Radley College on the Tuesday, no doubt to their shock and disappointment. On home turf, they’ll have a lot to prove. Unlike the UK, schools in the US often get outclassed by major clubs like Rye and Oakland due to their sheer size, funding and catchment, but St Joe’s often sees themselves coming out on top against other schools in the country (they won the national title in 2021). Whilst I don’t think they will be contending for the win, I certainly hope to see them dispatch all the other schools entered.
KCS Wimbeldon
Since KCS are making the effort to fly out to Boston this year, I feel as though they deserve a mention. The boys from Wimbledon return after a 13th-placed finish last year. Much like in 2022, I think KCS will be lucky to place top 15, as I’m not sure how competitive their squad will be throughout the domestic season, especially compared to the might of a flying St Paul’s program. Here’s hoping they prove me wrong and smash the predictive nature of this preview.
Predictions
1. Row America Rye
2. St. Paul’s School Boat Club
3. Oakland Strokes.
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