National Schools’ Regatta 2025 – Girls’ Junior 16 Quads Preview

National Schools’ Regatta is the highlight of the racing season for many junior programmes, up and down the country. Despite this year finding its new home on the waters of Nottingham, there will be no change in the 2000m line of tents and trailers lining the banks. As the official racing season starts, the air is filled with anticipation as crews push themselves to their limits. All for the chance to lift the trophy: The Colonel’s Cup for women’s Junior 16 quads.

Nottingham County Rowing Association

After a slow start to the season, finishing ninth at the Oarsport Junior Sculling Head, these girls have picked up momentum as they move closer to the summer racing season. NCRA’s skill at side-by-side racing was evidenced in their strong push over the 1500m distance at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta, where they picked up a silver medal. With many of the crews they raced against also present this Sunday, this result stands them in good stead heading into the rounds of racing to follow. More recently, these girls held their own, racing up two age groups in the women’s Junior 18 quads at the Junior Sculling Regatta (placing 11th overall). The conditions at Nottingham are well known for their temperamental nature, and with this crew rowing locally for their regular training, they have the home-water advantage, and are ready for what’s in store.

City of Bristol Rowing Club

It is safe to say that this quad from City of Bristol Rowing Club have gotten something right when it comes to the quad. For almost two years now, this crew have been consistent A-finalists, and so far this season, there is no sign of them slowing down. A few weeks ago, they came away from the Junior Sculling Regatta with a bronze medal. After a strong sprint for the line, they were five seconds ahead of the following crew. This medal is just one from their already growing 2025 collection, joining their other bronze from the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta, where they represented WAGS and Wales. Their consistency is apparent when you look at their last season. They dominated at the British Junior Rowing Championships, beating many of the crews they will be facing on Sunday in the women’s Junior 15 coxed quad. These girls have bucketloads of experience rowing together, but do they have what it takes to take that win again?

Marlow Rowing Club

Hailing from the same club that produced last year’s Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup finalists, this crew from Marlow Rowing Club have the opportunity to win in the palm of their hands. Coming second to the aforementioned City of Bristol Rowing Club by 0.2 seconds last year at the British Rowing Junior Championships, these girls returned with a vengeance this season. After what seems like a strong block of winter training and gelling as a crew, these girls ran away with the Junior Sculling Regatta, putting almost nine seconds into second place. Yet these girls don’t just succeed side-by-side; they will be gunning it down the track in the time trial after proving their ability to stay internally motivated via their win at the Oarsport Junior Sculling Head this past February. If this quad keeps it up, they will be on for a clean sweep season. From their exceptional performances so far and their club’s overall dominance in girls’ sculling, I think they are a crew to look out for.

Molesey Rowing Club

If I were to award a ‘most improved’ from last season, it would be this crew. Placing in the C-final at the 2024 National Schools’ Regatta in the women’s Junior 15 coxed quad, these girls from Molesey Rowing Club have been on an upward trajectory. Most evidently, their third place in the recent Junior Sculling Regatta time trial secured them a spot in the A-final. Though placing fifth in the side-by-side, the margins are close with all the crews in this event (aside from Marlow), so with some tweaking, there is no doubt these girls could find themselves sneaking their way onto the podium. I am excited to see what this quad could pull off over this demanding day of racing.

Notable Mentions

Though not attending the Junior Sculling Regatta, Leeds Rowing Club are not ones to be overlooked. After taking the win at Nottingham City Regatta a few weekends ago, and representing their region of Yorkshire in the A-final at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta, these girls have much practice on the course of Nottingham Water Sports Centre. After securing sixth at the Junior Sculling Regatta, if Putney High School Boat Club put in another brilliant performance, they will surely find themselves in a coveted A-final spot. Finally, I also believe that Hereford Cathedral School Boat Club have what it takes to land themselves amongst the high-flyers. After their convincing four-second win in the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta B-final last month, I am sure they want to move up into that A-final.

Prediction

As usual, it is difficult to predict this event. With so many competitive crews racing, it is hard to say who will take the trophy. However, after their previous performances this season, I believe Marlow Rowing Club may have what it takes to claim that top spot. The rest of the field will be in close contention, with City of Bristol Rowing Club just beating Molesey Rowing Club for the silver medal.