Winter Racing Yields Strong Benchmarks for Senior and J16 Rowers

Over the past fortnight, the Senior and J16 rowing squads have enjoyed an important and productive block of winter racing, combining a full day of crew selection work at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham with competitive performances at Wycliffe Big Boats Head.

For the boys, the Nottingham trials offered an opportunity to make the most of rare flat, calm conditions. The Senior squad began with a 1,900‑metre time trial before moving into a series of one‑on‑one races designed to test not only speed and technical quality but also the sharp competitive instincts required as the regatta season draws nearer. The detailed data gained from the time trials provided valuable insight into current strengths and highlighted clear development goals. In the afternoon, athletes were reorganised into ranked eights based on the morning’s performances, giving them the chance to race in fast, evenly matched combinations—particularly beneficial after a half‑term marked by difficult river conditions. These trials served as an important preparation step for the Wycliffe Big Boats Head the following weekend.

The girls’ squads also made the most of their day in Nottingham, benefitting from similarly favourable racing conditions. The J16 girls completed an extensive doubles matrix, while the Senior girls undertook a full session of seat racing in coxless quads. Rotating through three quads and four doubles, athletes were tested across a wide range of combinations, enabling coaches to build the strongest possible line‑ups ahead of both Wycliffe Big Head and the Junior Sculling Head later in the term. The day proved not only productive but also energising, giving the girls clear feedback on how their winter training is progressing.

Wycliffe Big Boats Head then offered a valuable early‑season benchmark for all crews. For the boys, the J18 1st VIII produced a standout performance, winning their category and finishing ahead of familiar rivals Abingdon—a result that underlined the speed and maturity developing within the boat. The 2nd VIII also impressed, placing fifth overall in a field dominated by first eights, a sign of increasing depth across the squad. The newly formed 3rd VIII rose strongly to the challenge of their first race together, securing a credible eighth place, while the J16 coxed four delivered an encouraging third, notably finishing ahead of Reading Blue Coat. Despite the cold and unsettled weather, the boys displayed excellent professionalism and left Wycliffe with confidence as they look ahead to the Schools’ Head of the River.

The girls’ squad also handled the challenging weather with determination, producing a set of positive and competitive results. The J16 girls, racing in two coxless quads that had only recently been formed, rose well to the occasion. The J16 1st quad placed sixth in their division, finishing ahead of established crews from Marlow RC and Hereford Cathedral School, while the 2nd quad also delivered a strong effort to place 11th. Among the seniors, all three quads performed with composure and pace. The 1st quad finished second in their division, narrowly beaten by a strong Wycliffe crew on home water. The 2nd quad followed closely behind in third, having also overtaken a crew from Sir William Perkins’s School, while the 3rd quad rounded off the day with a well‑earned fifth place.

Across both squads, the past two weekends have provided invaluable opportunities to assess progress, strengthen combinations, and build race experience ahead of the key events still to come. With the Schools’ Head and Junior Sculling Head on the horizon, athletes and coaches alike can take confidence from the resilience, competitiveness and continued development shown throughout this important block of winter racing.

Max E (Boys Captain of Boats) and Beatrice C (Girls Vice-Captain of Boats)