The Henley Women’s Regatta gives those at the top of their game in women’s rowing the perfect platform to shine. Additionally, it often serves as a fitting precursor to Henley Royal, and many of the women’s crews aim to conclude their seasons with back-to-back victories on Henley’s infamous stretch of water.
A contest that provides a high calibre of entries annually at Henley Women’s Regatta is The Copas Cup, awarded to the victor of the Aspirational Club Eights. With an impressive twenty four crews entered this year, it promises to be an exciting category to follow. Let us now turn to discuss a small sample of those crews, who may be deemed the ones to watch here based on track record and depth throughout this season and beyond.
City of Bristol RC
I begin this preview outlining City of Bristol’s chances. A club that may initially seem the underdogs of this contest, Bristol have nonetheless seen significant performance developments in their senior men’s and women’s squads alike this season. They have accelerated on to the national scene with a point to prove, and I could foresee this particular women’s eight making waves as they progress through the rounds, each one more gruelling than the last. Whether they can do enough to make history and reach the final remains to be seen, but I am optimistic that they will give it a good go.
London RC
Up next we have the ladies of London Rowing Club, a club that is certainly well-versed in sending high calibre crews down the Henley track. Despite having fewer club members and less squad depth than some of their rival clubs on the Tideway, whichever crew dons the London crest on their all-in-one can be relied upon to provide gutsy performances over a weekend at Henley. This crew therefore earns their spot in my list of favoured clubs for the win.
Thames RC
All season long, the quality and consistency of Thames’ women’s squad has been nothing short of exceptional, particularly in the eights. While their top boat is otherwise engaged competing for the Ron Needs Cup for Championship Eights, I have no doubt that the Thames ‘A’ boat in this aspirational event will nevertheless deliver a performance worthy of some silverware. In addition, the ‘B’ boat may even be right up there in contention for the win. Competing against many of their Tideway neighbours should not phase either of these Thames crews, and it is likely that they will once again combine talent with squad depth in their bid to lift the Copas Cup.
Upper Thames RC
The final club that receives mention in this brief preview of potential victors is, of course, Upper Thames. It would be naive not to consider Upper Thames as seriously strong contenders here. The combination of their home advantage and gold standard senior squad training programme certainly adds fuel to the fire of their likelihood to conquer this event. Moreover, with no entry into the Championship Eights event, it is likely that this crew will feature some of Upper Thames’ top women’s sweepers, which will undoubtedly create even more fervour and excitement around the intrigue of who will come away victorious.
Prediction
As mentioned above, this preview has highlighted but a small sample in a batch of twenty four crews with undeniable sweep talent. To compete at Henley Women’s Regatta is an achievement and a privilege in itself, and I have no doubt that each crew will take the prestige of racing down the Henley track extremely seriously. If a prediction must be made, I am inclined to say that Thames ‘A’ will claim victory, perhaps from a close-to-call final with either London or Upper Thames. That being said, there are potential wild cards in abundance competing in this event, and with such a high quantity of entries, it certainly will not be an easy stride towards glory for any of the crews that qualify from the time trial.
Good luck to all racing.
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