We are only a handful of sleeps away from the 23/24 season’s official resurgence of the fabled Henley course that, at the end of the season, is set to host the highest quality of racing for every boat class. However, for now, Henley Long Distance Sculls. The start list of over 60 scullers in the J18 1x category makes this race very exciting – so let’s just hope it doesn’t share the same fate as Fours Head.
Henley Rowing Club
I think we should pay due homage to the men from Henley Rowing Club, seeing as this course probably flashes in their heads every time they close their eyes. The first band is populated by six Henley scullers, led by Len and French who will be looking to use their familiarity with the course and the boat class to give them an edge over the competition surrounding them, namely, Maidenhead Rowing Club. These boys are scattered through the entire start order, perhaps allowing them to gun for the top position of each band, which would be a very impressive feat for their boat club. I think there lies a certain degree of unspoken expectation – Henley are known for putting out a good quality of sculling, and athletes in general, and since we haven’t heard an overwhelming amount from them yet this season, this weekend would be a great place to start.
Maidenhead Rowing Club
Next up is Maidenhead RC. Being another boat club well known for their talent in sculling, Maidenhead will be excited to lock horns with the likes of Henley RC this weekend. Additionally, I have every bit of confidence that these boys will be particularly hungry to let rip on the water, as they were set to race at this year’s Fours Head which was unfortunately scrapped. Both band 1 and band 2 are being led by Maidenhead scullers: Davies and Novobritsky, immediately placing them in a positive position to take home impressive results. Davies will be looking to lose sight of the scullers who set off after him, and Novobritsky will be able to try to follow the pace of those in band one. The many other Maidenhead entries are proof of squad depth, only furthering my confidence that they’ll rack up some impressive times and results.
Claires Court School Boat Club
Claires Court School BC are truly no stranger to going quickly at Henley. They have won the Fawley Challenge Cup three times (albeit two being in composite crews) and are known to enter an impressive quad each year. However, we aren’t yet sure how these boys will fare in singles. The first Claires Court sculler to pass the start line is Ince. This starting position alone will give him an air of confidence as he approaches the day, invaluable to a rower before a race. The other scullers seem tightly dispersed throughout the rest of the first two bands, their proximity perhaps inspiring competitiveness.
Other Entries
In addition to those above, many scullers could post a very impressive time over the Henley stretch. Firstly, while Stratford Upon Avon is valorised for being the hometown of the English language’s greatest proponent, perhaps this weekend will allow it to make way for a new set of heroes: Happel and Wilcock. Further, Abingdon School Boat Club have scullers scattered throughout every single band of the competition, so each sculler will be looking to do their part for the club and place as best they can for a cumulative top score.
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