As the ripples on Dorney Lake begin to disappear after yet another dramatic and intense National Schools’ Regatta, the eyes of the rowing world turn to the Temple Island start line, where crews from around the world aim to win at two of the world’s most eminent river regattas: the Henley Events.
The first of these events grew from humble beginnings in 1989 after the stewards of Henley Royal Regatta granted permission for the event to take place. Today, Henley Women’s Regatta is widely regarded as the most prestigious racing environment for women the world over. For the junior crews, this is an opportunity to experience the unique complexity of racing down the Henley stretch, complete with the all too often realised fact, that a crew is at any time only a stroke away from a steering disaster.
Henley Rowing Club:
The only club that has so far this year been able to topple the mighty Headington, last year’s winners of this event, Henley Rowing Club look set to top the Junior 16 Quads at Henley Women’s for a second year. Having played safe throughout the Head Season, we can only be guided by their stunning success in other boat classes for evidence of their winter training. Having dominated at the top of the junior events at Schools’ Head with an unprecedented double win in both championship and first eights, the J16s narrowly missed emulating the fate of their older counterparts when they tucked in second behind Headington in the J16 Eights. A few days later, back with a blade in both hands, Henley narrowly missed out again on the win at the Junior Sculling Head, but with a satisfying margin between themselves and their nemesis: Headington.
Henley then sculled their way to an impressive victory at National Schools Regatta, claiming the gold over the crew from Tideway Scullers that had beaten them and the clock at the junior sculling head. For many lesser crews, a win at NSR, the most prestigious junior event, would signal a well-earned break – but not for Henley. The taste of victory at National Schools’ has left much to be desired – for crew and coach alike – creating dreams that they hope to realise at Henley Women’s where only a win shall suffice.
Wallingford Rowing Club:
Another titan of the Thames, Wallingford have impressed with a balance of technical perfection and horsepower that has seen them remain highly competitive through both Head and Regatta Season. With the traditional lack of a Wallingford Crew at Schools’ Head, they attacked the following week at the Junior Sculling Head, but only to achieve a somewhat underwhelming third place for a crew of such traditionally high calibre. However, although beaten and relegated to a lower ranking, the crew that stole the win are absent from Henley, opening the doors for an opportunity for Wallingford to stamp their name into the books of history.
Evidence for such a scheme becoming reality can be found in their consistent performance this side of Schools’ Head. At Wallingford Regatta, the quad placed second in one of the tightest fields of the season. At the highlight of the season, National Schools’ Regatta, Wallingford claimed bronze, in a field again dominated by Tideway Scullers. The absence of crews such as Tideway is more pertinent than ever at a Henley event, where it can be argued that experience alone can separate winners from losers in a battle not only of blades but also of the mind.
Isle of Ely Rowing Club:
Basking in the Shadow of the CUBC boathouse, Isle of Ely has played host to a number of talented athletes and crews alike over recent years. In 2017, the junior Quad from Ely made the final of the Diamond Jubilee challenge cup, being beaten by the one and only Lady Eleanor Holles, and after a year away from the adrenaline of Henley racing, could this be the crew to emulate their historic success? Well, their recent performances certainly point this way. At the junior indoor championships, the Junior Girls relay team – many from this quad – won their event, alongside another 13 golds from this club alone.
Out on the water, Isle of Ely have been somewhat secretive about the true power of this quad. At National Schools’ they raced to miss out on podium position, placing fourth. However, as previously mentioned, many of the crews racing at National Schools’ have waved goodbye to the junior circuit for the year, leaving all to be played for in the shadows of the Henley booms.
Bedford Modern School:
Another crew that has so far lurked in the shadows this season is Bedford modern school. Geographically separated from many of their competition, training on the Great River Ouse Bedford have made a name for themselves in recent history with some impressive rankings at recent events. Most notably an accomplished third at Junior Sculling Regatta, and after a slightly underwhelming race a sixth place in the A-Final at National Schools’. This crew, therefore, may not be the most powerful of the crews racing at Henley Women’s’, but they could throw a spanner in the works, pushing opponents to later failure in a race that relies on strategy more than any other.
Crews to watch and internationals:
Flying in from the other side of the world, Sydney Rowing Club brings an air of mystery to the event. This club have many successes both at home and internationally, with many athletes representing athletes at international events, and with Sydney taking home a number of awards at the 2019 Rowing NSW presentations, this is clearly a club to watch.
Wycliffe Junior Rowing Club often find themselves at the top of results tables, especially in the sculling boats. The quad competing at Henley made a brief appearance at Wallingford Regatta where they claimed a bronze medal, before disappearing once again into the waters of mystery. Only time will tell if Wycliffe can pull it out of the bag next week, but there will certainly aim to intimidate and impress at their largest event of the year.
Conclusions:
Whether it be Henley Women’s or Henley Royal, the most famous course in the rowing community always throws up surprises, with crews subjected to psychological warfare from the infamous booms and their opponents alike, whilst battling the elements and their own adrenaline, to tame the balanced beast their coaches have created which they hope will carry them to victory.
Good Luck!
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