The excitement, thrills and spills of side-by-side racing were all to be had at this weekend’s Thames Ditton Regatta, which started in 1947 and raced over a 1000m course opposite Hampton Court Palace.
First to race were the WJ13s. Five quads were entered into their first ever regatta race, and all acquitted themselves very well with some very close racing. The A boat made the final; an amazing feat for a first race finishing in second place.
Two WJ15 eights were entered. The B eight had to race, and although they put up a tremendous fight, they were eventually beaten by a crew that made the final. The A WJ15 eight went on to the final. Even though they were down off the start, they went through to win the event.
Two WJ15 quads were entered in the afternoon events. The B quad put in a spirited performance, but lost out in a heat to one of the finalists. The A crew, having already raced 5 times, showed some true grit and determination and went on to win their final.
Not to be outdone, it was time for the WJ14 crews to show what they could do. The A octuple in their first heat got off to a good start but, unfortunately, one of the crew managed to lose a scull, However, this was not going to stop them, and they rowed through their opposition to make the semi-final and go on to win their final. The B octuple put in some tremendous racing through their heats and went on to win their final.
Categories: Senior School Sport