Only a physically and mentally strong athlete is willing to take on the gruelling 6.8km challenge of the Tideway in a single, a course that challenges even the most competent crew in a larger boat class. To race in a single is no mean feat. This category has an impressive 22 people who are prepared to test themselves so early on in the season. Being one of the first races this year for many, Vesta Sculler’s Head will be an excellent demonstration of what this year’s standings might look like and perhaps forecast some predictions for the summer.
Tideway Scullers School: Jess Kerbiriou
Jess Kerbiriou is an exceptionally strong sculler who represented Great Britain at the Munich International regatta and was a crucial part of the Tideway Scullers School quad that was one of the dominant crews during the last domestic season, including gold at the National Schools’ regatta and a subsequent excellent Henley Royal Regatta result. Now, as one of the older junior athletes, that extra bit of experience will surely give her the edge over her competitors to reach the distance of a medal this weekend.
Tideway Scullers School: Kate Cohalan
Another athlete hailing from Tideway Scullers School, Cohalan, also had an extremely successful J17 season. Being a part of the GB Coupe De La Jeunesse quad that managed double gold in a very successful project, she certainly has the sculling pedigree to take home the gold medal on home waters. Along with Kerbiriou, Cohalan also won the National Schools’ Regatta and performed exceptionally well at Henley Royal Regatta this summer. With heaps of experience and a trove of medals to her name, Cohalan is an athlete to watch.
Barn Elms Boat Club: Ella McDougall
A name well known in the single sculling world, McDougall convincingly took home gold at the British Championships this summer and won the time trial at the National Schools’ Regatta before unfortunately capsizing whilst leading the final. Having also raced at the Home International Regatta for England, McDougall has undoubtedly been on a streak this last year. Being more experienced in smaller boats than the Tideway Scullers singles may give her the edge to take the win on the Thames.
Newark Rowing Club: Elena Taylor
Having raced for Derby Rowing Club last year, Taylor has made the move to Newark RC, a club with which she has regularly raced successful composites, including silver at the Junior Interregional Regatta 2024 in the double and the same result at Brugge Boat Race in the eight and quad this year. In the single, she performed fantastically at Henley Women’s Regatta, making it through to the semifinals against some very tough competition. Her consistency over the last few years, being at the top of her game in the singles, is outstanding and hopefully will help her get a medal this weekend.
Predictions
I believe Cohalan from Tideway Scullers School will be taking gold at the Scullers Head 2025, with a tussle between Jess Kerbiriou and Ella McDougall for second place. However, due to McDougall’s experience in the singles, I reckon she will be the one to receive that silver medal. Not far behind, but definitely in the top five, will be Elena Taylor from Newark.
