Once again, the Frank V Harry Cup is the most popular event at the regatta with 53 entries competing for 16 qualification spots. This category can be a bit contentious, and is still finding its feet within the regatta. The spirit of this event is to be an ‘entry point to Henley Women’s Regatta for those near the start of their rowing careers’, however current eligibility rules allow athletes with years of experience to compete in this category. When one is at the start of their rowing career, they are told that time in a boat is the most valuable way to develop rowing technique. So, when there is such a vast range of experience eligible to compete in this category, it leads to some interesting racing but means those who have less experience of racing this season could see themselves as coming in on the back foot. I would say to them that this does not always have to be the case. Anything can happen on this iconic stage, and if there was to be an upset or a surprise winner, it would be at Henley Women’s.
Edinburgh University Boat Club
Under the leadership of Michael Hughes, Edinburgh University Boat Club (EUBC) has solidified itself as a powerhouse in developing rowing talent. Last season, the EUBC novice women dominated the competition at BUCS Head, Women’s Eights Head of the River Race, BUCS Regatta and this event at Henley Women’s Regatta.
This year’s development boat features BUCS Regatta beginner single gold medallist, Katie Robertson. Robertson’s seamless transition from Scottish swimming champion to EUBC novice standout is going to be a particularly exciting journey to follow. She is joined by the BUCS Regatta beginner single bronze medallist Millie Drury. Completing the line- up are Erica Watt and Grace Chapman. Both of these athletes bring some experience to the crew with Chapman being part of the EUBC ‘B’ crew that reached the semi final of this event last year. This crew raced together for the first time at the Metropolitan Regatta, where they placed eighth in the A- Final on the Saturday amongst far more experienced athletes. There is no doubt this crew will be chasing another Henley Women’s Regatta win for the club.
Upper Thames Rowing Club
The Upper Thames Rowing Club (UTRC) entry had a fantastic performance at the Metropolitan Regatta where they placed fifth in the A- Final on the Saturday. Part of the line-up is Anna Bridgen, an athlete who was part of the fastest non-qualifying boat at the time trial for the Frank V Harry Cup last year, where she missed out on qualifying by just two tenths of a second. Also featured is Natalie Holden, who started rowing and coaching at her junior club. Adding further experience to this crew is Izzy Pitchard, who was part of last season’s Minerva Bath Rowing Club entry who were the fastest non qualifying crew in the Lester Trophy (aspirational club coxless fours). Her crew missed out on qualifying by just one tenth of a second. Pitchard also featured in the UTRC ‘B’ crew at the women’s eights head of the river race this year that placed 58th. This crew have pooled their experience and have come together to be fast, there won’t be many entries that can challenge this line-up.
University of Surrey Boat Club
The 2022 winners of this event, the University of Surrey Boat Club (UOSBC), will be returning to the Henley Women’s Regatta course with their eyes on bringing home the trophy. This year the beginner women at the UOSBC raced phenomenally at BUCS Regatta, bringing home the gold in beginner eights and the beginner coxed four. Since the same line-up are racing at Henley Women’s Regatta, this crew will be heading into the time-trial confident in their ability to produce an excellent result.
Oxford Brookes University Boat Club
Hoping to continue the success found in the senior squad, are Oxford Brookes University Boat Club (OBUBC). Coached by OBUBC senior squad alumnus, Hugo Sandars, the novice squad have seen a significant step on since last season. At BUCS Regatta, the beginner women came away with a silver medal behind UOSBC in the coxed four. This crew are likely to have found even more speed and will be heading to Henley hungry for a good result.
University of London Boat Club
The University of London Boat Club (ULBC) entry is an exciting one. Led by Prince Albert Challenge Cup winner and ULBC alumnus, Tom Cross, the club’s development squad is in its first year. With the University of London being made up of 17 higher education institutions, there is potential for lots of promising talent to come through this programme in years to come.
This is a very fresh line-up, with the crew only coming together after BUCS Regatta. Featured are athletes Mila Candon and Josephine Hoesel, who placed second in the B- Final of beginner doubles at BUCS Regatta. They are joined by Emma Rouse, who has recently performed exceptionally at talent testing, and Sophia Cassidy, yet another rowing talent from the Cassidy family. There is no doubt this crew have great physiology, so it will be exciting to see how they have developed technically since their training camp.
Predictions
As a result of the qualification rules, there are a variety of experienced athletes eligible for this event. The crew from Upper Thames Rowing Club have demonstrated they have speed and experience, both of which are invaluable when match racing on the Henley course. Based on the results from the Metropolitan Regatta, Edinburgh University Boat Club are poised to present the best challenge to this crew and (depending on the draw) are likely to meet in the final.
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