Welcome back, everyone, to the esteemed junior racing circuit of the United Kingdom. First up is, at 6.8km, perhaps the longest head race of the year: the Scullers Head of the River. This event ranges from the University Stone at Mortlake downstream to the end of Putney Pier. Think of it as a reversed Boat Race, so the stream is on your side. There are an incredible 76 entries this year in the J18 category, a massive increase from the 33 scullers the last time this race was held in 2023. The Tideway is a river like no other, with a strong stream on a non-uniform course, meaning parts of the river will be faster than others. This means it is about positioning on the river, but also timing your effort across the 20 or so minutes.
Lea Rowing Club – Pakulis
Starting first out of the 76 scullers is Lea’s Pakulis, who has had a successful summer. He came fourth at the GB April trials, before winning two gold medals at the Coupe de la Jeunesse in the quad. This year, as he is no longer ‘U19 eligible’, he surely has his sights set on mixing it up with U23 athletes. This race will be the ideal place to compare himself with the very best and to get back into the flow of racing. Despite his talents, one factor may stand in the way of his success. Owing to Lea training primarily at the London Regatta Centre, or Docks, Pakulis has limited experience with sculling on the Tideway. The Tideway is a different beast, which may be a test for him. However, his obvious talent will equip him to deal with this adequately.
Tideway Scullers School – McCarthy
Hot on Pakulis’ heels (or should that be hot on his stern), will be Tideway Scullers’ McCarthy, who has also had international racing experience this summer. He raced on the highest stage, placing in the B final in the double at the Junior World Championships in Lithuania. This year will bring him new challenges and new opportunities, and there is nothing better than to start racing as soon as possible in what seems to be a strong startlist. The one perhaps significant advantage that McCarthy has over his rivals is that he will be extremely familiar with the Tideway as he trains on it. However, how much of an edge this will give him is uncertain, and there is always the possibility that this could turn into overconfidence.
Radley College Boat Club – Cleugh
Another of the favourites hails from Radley College, normally a sweep rowing powerhouse, in Cleugh. Having learnt to row at Durham Amateur Rowing Club, he moved to Radley College, where he made the final of The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta last summer. Cleugh then went on to represent GB at the Coupe de la Jeunesse, where, together with Pakulis, he won two gold medals in the quad. As someone who can now be classed as a sweep rower, this may mean he can bring a bit more brawn to the race than a classic sculler. His race is one to watch; it will be interesting to see how he fares against the rest of the field.
Notable Mentions
Before coming to the main prediction, there are a couple more entrants worth looking out for. The winner of the Junior 18 single at the 2025 British Rowing Junior Championships, Durham Amateur Rowing Club’s Quinn Mosley, has entered, as has the third-place finisher at that race, Northampton Rowing Club’s McKenzie. Another sculler who will have home advantage is Tideway Scullers School’s Pendred.
Prediction
As for the overall winner, who will make the podium seems certain, but it will be close. All three have international representation, but for the Scullers Head, the advantage of home water can be crucial. For that reason, I will predict Tideway’s McCarthy to win, ahead of Lea’s Pakulis in second and Radley’s Cleugh in third.
