Nottingham City Regatta 2025 – Open Junior 18 Quads Preview

The weekend after a hugely eventful four-day BUCS Regatta, the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham hosts another yet regatta. This time, it will be Nottingham Regatta that takes place on the iconic course. One important detail is that this race will be a straight final, with only six crews entered into the Junior 18 quads category. Out of these six crews, there are only three schools, and one club. I’ll let you do the maths.

Windsor Boys’ School Boat Club

It seems like the Windsor Boys’ School Boat Club have been mentioned in every single one of my previews recently. Not only does this reflect their utter dominance in junior men’s sculling, but also the fact that they have such a deep squad that they are able to compete at most regattas across the country. This year at Nottingham Regatta they have entered two quads, though neither of them are their top “A” crew. Both crews did very well last weekend at Wallingford Regatta, with one crew winning. The next day, at the Junior Sculling Regatta, their performance was decidedly sub-par, but we can cut their tired legs some slack. None of this will detract from the fact that these crews are strong favourites to win.

Oundle School Boat Club

Perhaps a name less well-known to readers, Oundle School Boat Club has existed since 1886. Based in Northamptonshire, so not too far from Nottingham, the school has certainly gone under the radar in recent years. They raced at the Junior Sculling Regatta in Eton Dorney last Monday, where they finished in last place, so 28th place overall. Oundle have, like Windsor, also entered two crews into this regatta. It will be astounding if Oundle come close to Windsor, and even if they put up a strong fight it will be a huge achievement for the school.

Other crews:

Two other crews are entered into Nottingham Regatta: Leeds Rowing Club and King’s School Chester Rowing Club. Both crews are far closer in ability to Oundle School Boat Club than they are to The Windsor Boys’ School Boat Club, so it will be challenging for either of them to win. However, King’s School Chester Rowing Club are the crew most likely to take that second place, with Oundle School Boat Club taking that third place. Leeds Rowing Club will certainly challenge Oundle School Boat Club for that podium finish.