A fun, family friendly race, Reading Amateur Regatta is back for another year. Often an interesting mix of smaller and bigger clubs, it’s a great event to have some fun at, or throw into the mix ahead of Henley Royal. With the event held across two days, there’s the chance for rowers to race in a plethora of different boat classes.
Saturday
On Saturday, in the Senior Double, we have two Walton crews, and one crew each from Reading University, Wallingford and De Montfort University. I expect Reading University to come out on top here, being the kings of university sculling, and with advantage of being on home water.
In the Senior Quads we have two boats from Bournemouth University, and then one crew each from University College London, Reading University and De Montfort University. Again, I reckon Reading will make the win here. However, Bournemouth University having two crews entered signifies good squad depth.
In the Open Sculls we have a similar set of clubs, with De Montfort University, Bournemouth, Wallingford, Walton and Reading Rowing Club all entered. I think the racing here will be tight, with possibly the win going to Bournemouth.
Sunday
On Sunday morning, two Walton doubles and one De Montfort University double will have to face the onslaught of four Bournemouth University crews. This is likely their two top quads split into doubles. I reckon one of the Bournemouth crews will take the win.
In the quads, we have a straight final of London Rowing Club versus De Montfort University. I expect this will be London’s less committed rowers, with the competitive racing squad gearing up for Marlow the following weekend. Because of this, my money would be on De Montfort University.
On Sunday we’ve got entries in the Open Sculls from Walton, De Montfort University, Marlow RC, two boats from Reading University and three Bournemouth University boats. I expect the Reading University sculler to come out on top here. However, Bournemouth have done well at this event in the past, so they’re not to be written off.
Summary
It looks like we have some great racing on the cards. One-on-one racing always makes for an engaging spectacle, so be prepared for a great experience if you are either watching or racing! There seems to be a good turnout from Bournemouth University this year, so I expect good things from them. I expect Reading University’s top athletes to be focused on preparations for Henley, so probably any crews entered by them will be athletes who won’t be in contention for their top crews. However, being a top level programme, these athletes will still be in pretty good shape.
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