We are now just days away from this year’s Shiplake College Regatta, which takes place on Saturday 7 June at the College Boathouse. With an entertaining afternoon of racing guaranteed, a healthy crowd of parents and friends is expected to enjoy the fun regatta and cheer on the rowers.
As a reflection of the inclusive nature of Shiplake sport, every pupil will race at least twice. Gus McCulloch, Harry Fisher and members of the College’s 1st VIII are all captaining their own nine-strong crew. Each boat will feature a mix of girls and boys from across the year groups. Inspirational team names include Hogan’s Heroes, Arnold’s Army and Parnell’s Patriots.
The mixed nature of the teams should create some fascinating battles, as each crew takes to the river for a preliminary one-on-one heat. Winners go through to the cup competition while losers will enter the plate. Semi finals and finals will then be contested to determine the overall winners.
The first round of racing will commence at 1.30pm. The Shiplake College Boat Club Supporters’ Association (SCBCSA) will be out in force to provide light refreshments including a burger barbeque and a bar serving PIMMS, beers and soft drinks. If you are feeling lucky you may wish to enter the Regatta raffle with a £50 first prize. All proceeds from the event will go towards Blade Aid, the Boat Club’s fundraising initiative for 2014.
There is no better preparation for our 1st VIII to prepare for the Henley Royal Regatta than to take on a crew of experienced and finely-tuned athletes. Accordingly, nine teachers have kindly agreed to take to the river and race against them.
The boys enter the race as favourites following their recent silver medal at the National Schools’ Regatta, but fresh staff blood including Henley winner Mr Pete Muhley will enable the teachers to mount a serious challenge.
The Shiplake College Regatta is always a great way for the boys and girls to have fun on their own stretch of river and is a chance for the whole club to come together and compete. There will be some interesting coxing techniques with varying levels of splashing on show, as well as running commentary from Mr Jon Brownley so you can follow all of the action.
Copies of the draw will be made available on the day. Please note that there will be no parking down at the Boathouse as it will be highly congested with boats and people. We look forward to welcoming many of you down by the river!
Spectators are encouraged to Tweet live updates from the Regatta using the #ShiplakeCollegeRegatta.
