Shiplake Knocked Out with Winning Time

Shiplake's 1st VIII gave a performance to be proud of as they were beaten by Hampton School in the opening day of the Henley Royal Regatta.

Both crews got off to a speedy start, reaching the Barrier in an impressive 1.55mins. By the halfway stage Shiplake trailed by 1½ lengths, despite having drawn what was believed to be the tougher Bucks side of the course. Hampton could only increase their lead slightly, crossing the finish line 1¾ lengths ahead of Shiplake in a time of 6.55mins. This proved to be the third fastest time of the 16 races in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup, making Shiplake one of the fastest losers.

The crew, comprised of Dom Marsh (cox), Dom Parnell, Harry Vardigans, Harry Hogan, Tom Arnold, Max Hearnden, Henry Cawthorne, Tom Berkley and Harry Berkley, were upbeat about the result. They will take heart that Hampton School has reached the fourth day of racing after beating Shrewsbury School by ¾ length in a time of 7.05mins on Thursday and beating Brunswick School, USA, by ¼length in a time of 7.20mins on Friday. Interesting, none of the races on Thursday or Friday were won in under the 7 minutes!

The Shiplake maroon, black and gold blazers were out in force to support the crew, a fact not missed by the Daily Mail, whose article covering the Regatta's fashion displays saw not one but two photos of Shiplake blazers, and 1st VIII blazers with the gold trim, featured! Click here to read the full article.

Elsewhere off the water, parents, pupils and staff enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch in the Shiplake marquee located at the Henley Cricket Club. The Shiplake catering team provided a wonderful two-course buffet, complete with sparkly and Pimm's, as regatta-goers took a break from the racing, but were unable to escape from the day's searing sunshine.

Returning to the marquee later on after soaking up more of the regatta atmosphere, and some more sun, the Shiplake contingent, joined by a number of Old Vikings, also enjoyed an afternoon tea. This was made particularly special when Mr and Mrs Marsh surprised their son Dom, who turned 18 on Thursday, with an enormous cake featuring the 1st VIII in the William Satch boat, with coach Hugh Mackworth-Praed cheering them on from the towpath!