Whilst eights are typically the biggest event of a regatta, the championship single sculls are an excellent showcase of the technique and mental fortitude needed to row competitively.
University of Limerick, Mannix
Irish rowing will see some strong representation with a top selection of Irish crews entered in this event. Whilst University College Dublin won overall in last years Irish university rowing championships, the University of Limerick put on a formidable performance and claimed a number of wins.
Mannix has shown himself to be a very competitive sculler by achieving some brilliant results. Finishing second in the men’s single sculls and winning the men’s double at the 2023 Irish rowing championships, Mannix sits comfortably in a top position for Irish men’s sculling. More recently, Mannix claimed top spot at Lough Rinn Regatta this year following the excellent standard he has set himself whilst competing on Irish waters.
In this event last year, Mannix finished in third position and will be wanting to push his success further an improve on his result this time round.
Greenbank Falmouth RC, Wilkinson
A small and friendly club, Greenbank Falmouth may not conjure up images of highly competitive rowing however, Wilkinson has garnered some brilliant results that will definitely make us remember him and his club’s name.
Recently at Wallingford regatta, Wilkinson finished in joint first with Leander’s Ellery showing just how stiff the competition is for this boat class. Other notable results include fifth place at the most recent Vesta sculler’s head and a successful HRR qualification for the Diamond Sculls cup where, unfortunately, he was knocked out in the second round of heats.
At last years Metropolitan regatta, Wilkinson’s efforts saw him settle for fifth place in the championship men’s single sculls. Wilkinson will most defiantly be aiming to improve on his last result in this event. Could we also expect another attempt for a HRR qualification?
St Michaels RC, Spelman
With another Irish sculler, this race is shaping up to be a showcase of the growing strength of Irish rowing. St Michales RC, also based in Limerick, is a strong club that has produced athletes that have represented Ireland nationally and internationally.
For the 2023 Irish rowing championships, Spelman rowed himself to victory finishing in first position whilst rowing for Shandon RC. Recently, at the Skibbereen Grand League Regatta Spelman had to settle for 4th place in the senior men’s single sculls category.
Spelman will also be looking to take a top spot for this event as last year’s Met regatta, Spelman won the B final in this event.
York City RC, McNiell
A rowing club at the centre of the historic city of York, this rowing club has the luxury of picturesque waters to row on.
In 2023, McNeill also earned himself some fantastic results that will undoubtably stand him in good stead for this upcoming regatta. McNeill finished in fifth place respectfully in the C finals for both Metropolitan and Marlow regatta pulling an average time around the eight-minute mark. However, this may not be fast enough to secure the top spots as…
However, the recent Vesta Sculler’s Head, McNeill claimed 2nd place in the masters B category showing a strong ability to perform well over a longer course. Hopefully this will translate well into shorted regatta courses and earn him a top spot in the finals.
Monkton Combe School, Buchan
What more is there to be said that hasn’t already been said about this Scottish giant. Buchan has become a celebrity in the rowing world by launching a successful social media platform and a following of enamoured rowers he refers to as the ‘Yamsquad’. Previously rowing for Great Britain, Buchan has raced internationally and secured silver at Belgrade and bronze in Poznan for the 2017 world rowing cup regattas.
For the 2023 Metropolitan regatta, Buchan finished fourth in the B final and also secured himself a HRR qualification for the Diamond Sculls trophy though was knocked out by a Canadian sculler destroying his chances of a semi-final.
This time round, we should expect to see Buchan put his all into this race and claim a spot in the final fuel by the determination to continually improve on his results.
Upper Thames RC, Bathe-Taylor
A club with a strong reputation, Upper Thames have the depth of rowing experience that makes the crew they enter in races strong competition.
With a finish time of 8:13.89, fourth position was the fruits of his labour. Unfortunately, this did not put him in the final for the championship single sculls, However, Bathe-Taylor did claim third in the novice men’s category for the Vesta Sculler’s Head.
Predictions
This year’s entrants boast a wealth of talent supported by a gamut of race wins for previous and recent seasons. With this event being a championship event, we should expect to see the best of men’s single sculling, however I put it down to University of Limerick, Mannix, to be walking away victorious this weekend.
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