Just one week on from Vesta Scullers Head, we return to the Tideway for what is a staple of the winter racing season. Although it is still early days in the 2025/26 season, it’s clear that many competitors have already been hard at work, aiming to put their best foot forward and build momentum for the long season ahead. This year’s open championship doubles looks especially packed with top talent.
Reading University Boat Club
Reading’s crews make up over a third of the entries in this category. First down the formidable course will be Collen and Snoxall. These individuals have both collected medals at BUCS Regatta and also raced the Prince of Wales together as part of Reading’s ‘B’ boat. It’s safe to say this is an experienced and proven partnership. They’ll be eager to transition smoothly into the new season with a strong result this weekend, using the challenge of such a prestigious race to fuel their 25/26 campaign. The goal for this duo is clear: to step up from Reading ‘B’ to Reading ‘A’. Standing in their way, however, is one of the most demanding head courses in the world. The question is whether they can tame the Tideway and prove they’re ready for the step up.
Nottingham Rowing Club
Nottingham RC has been a consistent force in UK club rowing for many years, regularly producing strong crews and excellent athletes. The Trent may not be the same beast as the Tideway, but if any river could prepare Biddle and Owen for the challenge ahead, it would certainly be on the shortlist. Having spent considerable time together in the boat last season culminating in their Prince of Wales campaign at Henley, they’ll be keen to switch on and kick off their season with impact.
Newark Rowing Club
The ever-impressive Newark RC entered this event last year, though this time without Robertson. Cowley has instead joined forces with Parsonage, a more than capable partner. Cowley brings a wealth of Tideway experience, including a podium finish at this very event in 2023. His crew mate, Parsonage, has also enjoyed recent success, most notably taking gold in the senior men’s single at the Home International Regatta for Scotland, building on the previous year of having brought home Scotland’s first medal in the men’s lightweight single scull. If they can find their rhythm early, this duo has the ability to handle the Tideway and fight for a podium finish.
Marlow Rowing Club
There’s a strong case to be made that Marlow is the best overall club program in the country, with results in recent years across all levels giving plenty of weight to that claim. The club is brimming with outstanding athletes, and Heath and Ruinet are right at the top of the pile. They will certainly arrive this weekend ready to challenge for the title. Their ambitions rest on back-to-back standout seasons, including last year’s regatta campaign where they pulled off some impressive scalps at Henley. Having narrowly missed out on a Sunday win a few months ago, this duo will be hungry for redemption, and their road back starts here.
Prediction
Marlow to take the win, followed by Newark, with Reading (Collen and Snoxall) completing the podium.
