The Chronicle, Spring 2019

45 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Rowing By Adam Moffatt, Master i/c Rowing

Rowing over three terms can often seem a little daunting and, to those not involved in the sport, a crazy idea. However, for those looking to achieve the highest accolades in school rowing, the winter months are an opportunity to put in the foundations for a strong season. The Autumn Term saw girls and boys training well and, with personal bests being achieved in many sessions, the signs were encouraging. Notable performances on the water included Saskia Ward’s 1st place in the WJ16 1x at Reading Head; the 1st IV’s 1st place in the J18 4- (Barnaby Singfield, William de St Croix, Alexander Gowans and Thibby Mulot) also at Reading; Saskia’s ‘fastest female sculler of the day’ ranking at the Burway Head; and 1st place for the WJ16 4+ crew of Abi Drennan, Jessica McPhail, Saskia Ward, Isabel Llabres Diaz and Daisy Speir at the Wallingford Head. We have four senior boys looking to achieve a GB vest and this journey started in Boston, Lincolnshire in November. Racing in pairs and over 5km they finished a respectable 3rd and 6th; this is an encouraging start but there will be stronger tests ahead.

As most pupils set off home for the Christmas holidays, the Boat Club decided to find some warmer weather and headed over to Seville, Spain. This provided a fantastic environment for training and there is no doubt that all pupils attending made significant gains. There was also the opportunity to race in the local regatta and when the draw

appeared with over 700 competitors, we knew that this was a little bigger than we had been led to believe! However, all crews relished the opportunity to race 2k in some side-by-side racing and left Seville with a focus and determination to get fitter and faster. A full report on Spring and Summer racing will appear in the next issue.

Saskia Ward at Reading Small Boats Head

The 1st IV: Barnaby Singfield, William de St Croix, Thibby Mulot and Alexander Gowans, also at Reading