With a massive 22 entries to this year’s Aspirational Quads event, the time trial will whittle this number down to 16 ready for side by side racing to begin on the infamous Henley stretch. With no split between clubs and universities, as we see in the sweep boats, this category will be a melting pot for a variety of crews.
Reading University BC
Isobel Burridge, Anna Turner, Zara Povey, and Emma Quaglieri came in sixth in the A final at BUCS Regatta held back at the start of May. These girls will have had time to develop their speed and technique on the water ready to battle new crews for Henley Women’s Regatta.
Bath University BC
The girls in the Bath University quad (Rebekah Court, Daisy Faithfull, Phoebe Hayden and Calla Spires) found themselves racing against the Reading University quad back at BUCS in a race that they won by two seconds. This crew also finished sixth in the ‘A’ final of Women’s Quads on the Saturday of the Metropolitan Regatta. Given that performance, and the time they have had to refine their ability since then, I would expect a competitive showing from this crew.
Mortlake Anglian & Alpha BC
Third in the ‘B’ final of Women’s Quads on the Saturday of the Metropolitan Regatta, this crew will be looking to close the gap between themselves and the Bath University outfit. Their time was only three seconds slower than Bath’s time from the ‘A’ final so expect this to be driving for a competitive outcome.
Globe RC
Another feature at the Metropolitan Regatta, this boat from Globe RC finished sixth in the ‘B’ final, some 12 seconds back on Mortlake. If they can secure a quarter-final placing, I think that would represent a great innings for this crew.
Agecroft RC, Hartpury College, Leeds University & Strathclyde Park RC
This Agecroft composite is comprised of Sophie Bonnor of Leeds University, L Auchterlonie of Agecroft, Catriona Norval of Strathclyde Park, and Devon De Winnaar of Hartpury College. Collectively they have performed well this year; with Norval recently winning the Women’s Quad at the Scottish Championships.
Netherlands entries
There are also three entries from Dutch clubs: A.A.S.R Skoll, U.S.R. Triton, and D S R V Laga. These crews will be quick and potentially be considering Henley Royal Regatta qualifiers, however, they are still eligible for entry to the aspirational category.
Prediction
Overall, I believe the final will consist of the Bath University quad in the final against one of the Dutch crews, most likely D S R V Laga. However it’ll be tight racing between all who get through the qualifying races. Best of luck ladies!
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