The Junior 18 open quad event at this year’s British Rowing Junior and Senior Club Championships promises to be one of the most fiercely contested races of the weekend, with 24 entries lining up. With the 2025 season drawing to a close and many crews coming fresh off strong Henley Royal Regatta campaigns, this event offers a final chance to end the season on a high.
While many top scullers may be absent due to selection for GB U19 Final Trials for the Coupe de la Jeunesse and U19 World Rowing Championships, the competition remains exceptionally strong. With several familiar names returning from Henley Royal Regatta, National Schools’ Regatta’, and Marlow Regatta, we’re set for an exciting showdown.
Windsor Boys’ School
Fresh from retaining The Fawley Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta for the second year running, Windsor Boys’ School come into this event as clear favourites. Their dominance this season has been undeniable, with a Junior 18 win at Marlow Regatta and victory in the open championship quads at the National Schools’ Regatta solidifying their status as the crew to beat. Expect them to bring trademark speed and cohesion to the start line as they seek to round off a near-perfect season.
Molesey Boat Club
Molesey have enjoyed a strong season and will no doubt be eager to challenge Windsor in what may be their last head-to-head of the year. Semifinalists in The Fawley Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta, they were narrowly edged out by Hinksey Sculling School by less than a length. They also claimed silver at Marlow Regatta, finishing just behind Windsor Boys’, and placed fifth in the A-final at the National Schools’ Regatta’. With obvious speed and something to prove, they will view this weekend as a final opportunity to overturn Windsor’s dominance.
Hartpury College
Hartpury’s quad is one to watch. With strong links to the GB Rowing Team’s development pathway, they benefit from an elite training environment and a consistently high-performing programme. While they’ve flown slightly under the radar compared to the more Henley-focused crews, their technical polish and fitness base could produce a standout performance if all clicks into place.
Prediction
Given their dominant season – with wins at Henley Royal Regatta, Marlow Regatta, and the National Schools’ Regatta’ – Windsor Boys’ School enter as clear favourites in the Junior 18 open quads. Barring any surprises, they look well-positioned to cap off their summer with another commanding victory.
