With the numerous recent cancellations of many of the south of England’s head races, many began to fear that 2024 racing would begin in the same manner as its predeceasing season. However, it seems that Kingston Small Boats Head has been given the all-clear, and it’s over 500 entrants are prepared and on top form. The tough 5.2km course is sure to test all and lead to some competitive racing, with the WJ16 4x being a definite event to watch.
Surbiton High School Boat Club
Strong contenders for the win come from both Surbiton High School Boat Club crews. Containing both National Schools’ Regatta gold and silver medallists in the second and first WJ15 eight, respectively, these two boats are filled with talented athletes. After starting last season in the eight, is Surbiton’s decision to move to the quads an insight into what they entail for summer? After their win at the Junior Sculling Head last year, there seems no reason to change what doesn’t seem to be broken. The decision to split their once victorious WJ15 crew is intriguing and something to look out for. Starting off the season with smaller boats is a sure way to test if these girls have kept their determination from last season and maybe a look into the possible WJ16 quad-campaign Surbiton is planning. Will these already dominant rowers ‘sweep’ away the field at Kingston, or will those more experienced scullers maintain their position?
Sir William Perkins School Boat Club
Like the aforementioned crews, the girls from this school are no strangers to competing at high levels and holding their own against tough competition. Starting strong and not plateauing throughout the season, these girls were consistent top spotters from the get-go last year. With a third place finish at Hampton Head, only 7 seconds off first, these girls are not afraid of a head race. Sir William Perkins School Boat Club is a school with a depth of rowing talent throughout all age groups, creating a competitive club environment which is translated into their results. This crew is no exception: these girls already have the potential and the right environment to become even stronger. With strength in both disciplines of rowing, I am sure last years’ 7th place at the National Schools’ Regatta will not be the peak of these girls’ careers, with Kingston being the first look into the possible new quad combinations.
Kingston Rowing Club
With the advantage of home water, this crew from Kingston Rowing Club are in a great position to start the season right. Last year, Kingston did nothing but improve throughout the year. Starting off with a twelfth place finish at the Junior Sculling Head, the effort put in by these girls is very apparent. The improvement in the few months between the Scullery Head and Scullery Regatta moved these girls up to a 2nd place finish in the B-final of the WJ15 4x+. They did not stop there, however, becoming consistent B finalists throughout the rest of the summer, with this success hopefully carrying onto their J16 career. Out of all the top contenders, Kingston has some of the best experience racing quads, hopefully giving them a strong advantage coming into Saturday. Alongside the preexisting knowledge of the course and potential conditions on the day, I am expecting some well-executed steersmanship that will be sure to knock seconds off their end time.
Honourable Mentions
Though Walton Rowing Club is renowned for their performance in pairs, most recently at Pairs Head, this club is not so well known in the world of quads. That is not to say that the success in these smaller boats will start to trickle down to the younger years and we begin to see a change in results, starting with Kingston Small Boats Head. Molesey Boat Club is also one not to be brushed over, with last year’s WJ16 quad- taking 7th at the National Schools’ Regatta. There are shoes that need to be filled, and I believe this crew can do it.
Predictions
As the first official year in a junior sculler’s career, where crew boats are no longer coxed, the pressure of remembering race tactics and steering can make or break an already relatively young crew. With the first few races of the season having crews settle and adapt to many of the changes, results are not set in stone. I do believe that Sir William Perkins School Boat Club has what it takes to lead the pack, setting the precedent for upcoming races. Surbiton High School Boat Club is sure to follow behind in 2nd place with the high level of athletes they have in their crews. Though it is all to play for, Kingston Rowing Club seems to be in a good position, chasing down their opposition and potentially coming in 3rd. Like always, with it being a new season, it is all to play for, and there is a possibility of another crew taking an unexpected win.
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