A Successful Weekend at Nottingham City Regatta

Shrewsbury School enjoyed a successful weekend at the Nottingham City Regatta on Saturday, with five crews competing across a range of events and producing several impressive performances against strong national opposition.

Across both the morning and afternoon divisions, crews demonstrated determination, technical skill and promising speed as preparations continue for the remainder of the summer racing season.

The Senior Boys’ 1st VIII raced in both divisions of the regatta. In the morning, they competed in the J18 8+ event, placing second in the time trial to progress to the final against Bedford School. The crew again finished second in the final, producing another strong performance against high quality opposition. In the afternoon division, the eight moved into the Open 8+ category, racing against some of the country’s leading school crews, including Henley Royal Regatta 2026 winners Shiplake A and Shiplake B. A strong time trial performance saw the crew place third overall and qualify for the A Final. In the final, the crew improved on their earlier result to finish ahead of Shiplake B and secure third place overall behind Shiplake A and City of Cambridge Rowing Club.

The Senior Boys’ 2nd VIII also competed in both divisions and enjoyed an excellent day of racing. In the morning Open Club 8+ event, the crew produced the fastest time trial performance ahead of crews from Gloucester and Agecroft Rowing Clubs. Their performance secured a place in the A Final, where they continued their form to claim victory. During the afternoon division, the crew stepped up into the Open 8+ category alongside the 1st VIII. After placing ninth in the time trial, they were seeded into the B Final, where they produced a much-improved performance to finish second behind Shiplake C, demonstrating encouraging progress throughout the day.

The J16 Girls’ Quad competed in the WJ16 4x- event during the afternoon division. The crew placed second within their category in the time trial, but due to the regatta’s seeding structure were placed into the B Final. Racing against older school and club crews, the girls delivered an outstanding performance to win the B Final, highlighting both their potential and determination ahead of the National Schools’ Regatta.

The Senior Girls’ VIII raced in both the morning and afternoon divisions. In the morning, the crew competed in the Women’s 8+ category, recording a strong fourth-place finish in the time trial ahead of Royal Chester Rowing Club. They maintained this position in the A Final, rowing with composure and consistency throughout the race. In the afternoon, the crew raced in the Women’s Academic 8+ category, placing second in their category behind Shiplake A and ninth overall in the time trial. This placed them into the B Final, where they demonstrated excellent technical focus and power to retain second place within their category.

The Senior Girls’ Quad also raced in both divisions and enjoyed an especially successful regatta. In the morning Women’s 4x- event, the crew recorded the fastest time in the time trial before continuing their strong form in the final to secure victory. During the afternoon division, they stepped into the WJ18 4x- event and placed second in the time trial behind Henley Royal Regatta winners Wycliffe College. In a highly competitive final, the crew finished fourth overall and second within their category after a closely contested race to the line.

Overall, the Nottingham City Regatta proved to be a highly encouraging event for Shrewsbury School Boat Club. With victories across multiple categories and strong performances against some of the country’s leading rowing schools and clubs, the regatta showcased the depth and potential within the squad. The crews now look ahead with confidence to the National Schools’ Regatta and the remainder of the summer season.

Report by Captain of Boats, Max E (UVI, SH)