Weather permitting, 12 J18 women’s quads will take to the water this weekend to race the three kilometre Henley LDS course, along the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta stretch. Lots of rain recently may lead to a strong flow, making this upstream race even more challenging, along with the large bend and Temple Island giving those with the steering foot lots to think about. However, it is a great chance to experience the HRR stretch early in the season and is a popular event with a consistently large entry.
Henley Rowing Club
Off the back of their training camp in the half term, Henley have entered four quads in this category, looking to make a mark on their own stretch. Having produced strong results these past two years, and with plenty of international success this summer, Henley look to be in good stead coming into the 23/24 season. Abi Smith and Emily Simmons both medalled at Coupe and remained at Henley this season, rowing along with Freya Weiser – who stroked their top quad to success last year coming 3rd at National Schools’ Regatta and reaching the semi-finals of the Diamond Jubilee. It’s also hard to forget the Henley WJ16 4x (now J18s) from 2022 that won NSR by an unbelievable 27 seconds and raced in the GB-France match. We could see some of these members in the boats on Saturday, putting their experience together to good use. Henley is such a strong and established programme that I expect all of their quads to be competitive, and perhaps showcase some rising talent in any new WJ17s.
Wallingford Rowing Club
Wallingford appear to have spread their entries between singles and the quad for this division, so only have one boat racing in this event. Splitting the quads between Henley in the start order, they will be able to see, and react to their opposition, and perhaps hold their position to take second place. The club had some great success last season, winning the WJ16 8+ at NSR and getting multiple medals at the British Rowing Junior Championships, so any returners from these boats will bring experience and motivation to the quad.
Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Club
Having faced some of these clubs already this season at Wallingford Long Distance Sculls, Stratford-upon-Avon BC will be trying to improve upon their result in the quad, where they came over a minute behind HRC. At Wallingford their efforts were also split between singles and the quad – so perhaps we might see a change in lineup and therefore result this weekend, with just the one boat.
Other entries
There are a wide range of clubs entered, with Bewl Bridge, Stowe Sculling Club, Shoreham and the American School in London putting out a single boat each. Shiplake Vikings are also boating two quads, which will be experienced rowing on this area of the Thames, giving them an advantage coming into the race.
Predictions:
With fewer large programmes entered into this category than usual, perhaps deciding to train for GB trials the following weekend, I think Henley will dominate their home race. I predict Wallingford will come third after two of Henley’s quads, but it will be particularly interesting to see the depth of Henley’s squad and how competitive their boats are with each other.
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