The 2023 racing season kicks off with Quintin Head this weekend. This year’s entries have been extended to 300, making for some exciting line ups and a first look at how women’s eights are shaping up this year. The Championship category has 10 entries, which should produce some tight results.
University of London BC
UL come into this weekend off a disappointing result at Rutherford Head, where they were convincingly beaten by Edinburgh and Durham. They will hope to rectify that result on home water and put in a much improved performance. The club is continuing to undergo a rebuild under Head Coach “Smithy” and will look to better their seventh place at Quintin last year. In a less competitive draw anything less than top two will be a disappointment.
Leander Club
Leander will race a development eight this weekend instead of their top boat, however, this doesn’t mean the crew should be overlooked. The athletes in the boat with have a point to prove and cement their place in the boat for the head race season. After the cancellation of Wallingford Head, Quintin will be the first look we get at a Leander eight this season. It will be interesting to see how their new recruits are fitting in and if they can put a marker down ahead of a busy schedule of racing on the Tideway. 2022 was a disappointing year for Leander eights, with defeats at WEHORR and Henley amongst others; they will be aiming to return to the top of the podium this year.
Vesta RC & London RC
Out of the remaining clubs in the draw, Tideway clubs Vesta and London stand out as ones to watch. These two have been hard to separate in recent competitions, trading positions in the Fours Head categories and placing third and fifth respectively at the Remenham Challenge before Christmas. Vesta’s women’s squad have made big gains in recent years and have entered three eights this weekend. A top two finish would be a big scalp for the club. Neighbours London were only eight seconds behind last year and will aim to close the gap on a course they are all too familiar with.
Prediction
Expect a close race between Leander and UL, with Leander just getting the edge over a much improved UL boat. Vesta will take third.
About The Author
