After a long, warm summer away the autumn chill of the Tideway is a feeling that some may have missed, but others find hard to forget! Pairs head is back for their 50th annual race, with celebratory events tied in. These 7 crews competing in the WJ18 2- category are in for a long run, about 4.5km from Chiswick bridge to Harrods, down a river infamous for its bends and notoriously difficult steering.
St Paul’s Girls School
With 3 out of 4 competitors in their two pairs entered being GB trialists, the SPGSBC crews come very well decorated and look good to finish on the upper end of the podium. First, in the start order, the pair of Sofia Tyler and Valentina Fenton comprises two athletes who both represented GB at various events last summer, including the Coupe de la Jeunesse and Home International Rowing Regatta. Both vastly experienced in the sweep discipline and rowing on their home stretch of the river, find themselves perfectly set up to continue their success into the new season.
Tideway Scullers School
For a club that focuses primarily on sculling, TSS also participated in many of the large rowing where they swept,  including NSR, Brit Champs and Met Regatta. One half of this pair, Allegra O’Sullivan was part of the 4+ that came second in the A final to a silver medal at the National Schools’ Regatta last summer, and she is sure to be able to transfer her experience and skill to this smaller boat. The other half, Amelie Wessel is a recent transfer to TSS, and even though she spent much time sculling at her previous club, Westminster Boat Club, she is sure to have made a big impact to be rowing in such a decorated boat.
Other entries
Emanuel School, Walton Rowing Club and Kings School Canterbury have also entered crews into this category, who may add some interesting mix-ups into the picture!
Predictions
If all goes to plan, the SPGBC boats look to have a solid hold on the top positions, however, bow-steering on the tideway may be one of the most challenging experiences any junior may have to undertake.
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