King’s First Eight Qualify for Prestigious Henley Royal Regatta

Our Henley Royal Regatta campaign started in earnest after the conclusion of the National Schools’ Regatta, with final selections to form a Girls Eight, a Boys Eight and a Boys Quad Scull.

Great racing at Henley Women’s and Marlow Regattas put the crews in good stead to compete for coveted places contested at the qualification races. The hot weather imposed a last minute change to timetabling of racing and our Friday evening events were delayed until Saturday morning.

The three crews rowed superbly well, among the elite of junior rowing from across Great Britain and the globe, in the time trial format of qualifying races. Our Girls First Eight entry in the Prince Phillip Challenge Cup, were the first down the course and to wait for what seems hours to hear of the outcome; a great result but they fell a little short of the qualifying group.

The Boys Quad Scull entry in the Fawley Challenge Cup raced third of our crews in an enormous field, endeavouring to secure one of only nine spots offered. Again it was a tremendous effort but they just missed the cut.

The Boys First Eight entry into the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup had a magnificent run down the course, but had an excruciating wait for their results due to an Australian crew having a delayed start. The wait was certainly worth it, as they were announced as successfully qualifying for the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta – an incredible performance to make it into the best-known regatta in world rowing. There was little chance to take in the enormity of their success as they rushed back for the annual Boat Club Dinner.

The focus returned to racing as they travelled to the event on Monday in order to check in and have a training row on the course. Tuesday, race day, had a relaxed start, due to an evening race and the boys took the opportunity to take in the sights and experiences of the regatta, including Stewards’ Enclosure.

The boys prepared for their 7.15 pm race and were supported by parents and OVs as they boated. Their opposition, Westminster School had come fourth in the country at National Schools’ but the boys were not daunted by the prospect of facing such competition and went about giving their best performance.

Westminster beat King’s, but the outcome of qualifying and the experience of being involved in the regatta will be a most cherished memory for boys. After the race it was wonderful to see the Westminster crew congratulate the boys and the greeting from our supporters was brilliant – this extended beyond the parents and OVs, with the wider Worcester rowing community so complimentary of the boys.

Congratulations to all our crews and all the rowers who contributed to such a successful campaign.

Boys First Eight: Tom P, Rowan C, Oliver Y, Alex M, Felix T, Bentley L, Luke M, Freddie G, Joseph R

Girls First Eight: Henrietta V, Jasmine S, Jess M, Florence V, Sophie E, Emelia S, Ava T, Emily W

Boys First Quad: Oliver C, Oliver R, Lucas C, Freddie B