The 2017 Henley Royal Regatta was an event that everyone associated with Shiplake College will not forget in a hurry. The College was already in great spirits with the boys from the 1st VIII entering the regatta on the back of some great form, but proud to also have the 2nd and 3rd crews attempting to qualify for the Temple Challenge Cup. If that wasn’t enough to display the quality of rowers the College continues to produce, the girls’ quad was also looking to qualify for the Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup. Unfortunately, along with the boys 2nd and 3rd VIIIs, the girls were unsuccessful in their qualification attempts. However, this was a great experience for all pupils involved and there is no doubt that they will be back stronger and faster next year.
The 1st VIII: Fred Peck, Christian Hjortland-Marks, Austin Burnand, Oliver Newton, Sebastian Newman, Henry Blois-Brooke, Tom Scott, William Dolin and cox Jamie Pond, were delighted to be one of the 12 ‘selected’ crews (out of 32 that qualified) in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup; chosen by the Regatta Committee because they are considered to be the fastest (or to keep overseas crews from the same country apart) in order to achieve the fairest and most satisfactory racing programme. Any hopes for a comfortable start to the cup soon disappeared as the boys were drawn against Westminster School.
Shiplake had got the better of Westminster a couple of times this year, with Shiplake just two seconds ahead of them at the National Schools’ Regatta, pipping them into bronze place; but Shiplake had not forgotten their defeat to Westminster in the third round of Henley in 2016. This all contributed to a tense Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning for everyone at the College. With Old Vikings and family and friends of the crew gathering at the river it was impossible for everyone involved to contain their nerves and excitement leading up to the race. The race was also being shown live in the Sports Hall at the College for all pupils and staff, and as the time for the race came closer it was all anyone could think about.
The race proved to be everything it was built up to be and for a neutral would have been great to watch. Shiplake came out on top beating Westminster by 2/3 of a length. They were roared home by everyone at the College and all of those down by the river. The boys had little time to enjoy the victory as preparations began for round 2, where they would compete against local rival and rowing powerhouse Abingdon School.
With everyone still elated from Wednesday’s victory over Westminster, it felt like only seconds had passed and the boys were back on the river to face Abingdon. This proved to be a more comfortable victory for the boys winning by 2 1/4 lengths. The dream of reaching the weekend was getting closer and next up for the boys was Gonzaga College from the USA on Friday evening. The boys remained incredibly professional, soaking up the atmosphere of the Regatta, knowing they needed to be at their best if they wanted to race at the weekend - and at their best they were. The boys produced another great performance beating Gonzaga by 1 length meaning they would be racing again on Saturday and had reached the semi-finals.
The weekend arrived and next up for the boys was Radley College. It was great to see so many parents, former parents, current pupils, Old Vikings, staff and governors pack out the College marquee at the Cricket Club for a pre-race drink before heading to the river to support the boys. There was a buzzing atmosphere with young and old proudly wearing Shiplake blazers, and everybody hoping that the boys could build on their achievements and reach the final. It proved to be another brilliant race, and whilst they were leading at the half-way mark unfortunately Shiplake couldn’t quite do enough, losing to Radley College by just one length.
There was a real feeling of mixed emotions at the end of the race, with the boys being disappointed they couldn’t go one step further, but knowing that they should be extremely proud of everything that they had achieved during the week. Director of Rowing, Mr Dave Currie, said the following: ‘we are so proud of the boys and what they have achieved following the plan all year to do well at Henley. They have had a fantastically successful season and although it would have been great to win at Henley they have to realise what they have achieved all season and to be the first crew to reach the semi-final since 1990 is just outstanding’.