Wallingford Regatta is the first sign of summer for British rowers. It’s an opportunity to come together with crews from across the country, racing side-by-side over 2000 metres. Truthfully, it’s an opportunity to see just how fast your crew is. Through the long, hard winters, you never see your opponents up close and personal, but this is different; they’re with you from that first stroke.
London Rowing Club
We all know that London Rowing Club competes at the front of the field, but it’s hard to always predict how deep that quality runs. Having entered two of their eights into the challenge category, this London crew could be their third, but that’s unlikely given they’ve entered both fours categories. The Head of the River is perhaps the best example of London’s depth and their slowest entry was in 68th position, nearly 90 seconds behind their fastest. Despite that, even the lowest rung of London crews should compete at the front of this field.
Molesey Boat Club
Last year’s winners in this event, Molesey Boat Club, had a somewhat disappointing Head of the River by their lofty standards. With their top crew only just breaking into the top 20, the change from Head to Regatta racing is a true test of their intentions for the summer. Having done similar last year, you’d fancy them to do it again. Even if this is a combination of Molesey athletes, their slowest boat was faster than London’s. It’s not very often that you face a field without the best of Putney – that should give them the best chance at retaining their silverware.
Marlow Rowing Club
Winners of the Page Trophy at the Head of the River, all the momentum should be with this Marlow Rowing Club crew. Dispatching Molesey on their way to the title, this club has transformed in the space of a few short years. Whilst they might not have expected to win a Henley title last year, the expectation is that they now perform to this high level consistently. Finishing the Head season in 17th position isn’t a bad place to start, but winning the Wallingford Regatta would be even better. Given that this is their B crew, however, that could be a stretch too far.
Vesta Rowing Club
Entering two crews, Vesta Rowing Club have been slowly building under James Cracknell and it could be time for them to make their statement. Coming 27th at the Head of the River, it’s a crew that has more to give and this is the perfect platform for them to start their journey to Henley Royal Regatta. Whether they choose to persevere with the eight or switch to a four remains to be seen; they’ve put their eggs in both baskets across their Wallingford campaign.
Predictions
Molesey Boat Club will retain their title, but it won’t be easy. They have a lot to prove and a statement to make. The change to shorter format racing is something that will benefit them with their power and tenacity, but the other crews will still be within touching distance.
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