In just three short years girls rowing has accelerated from a standing start to this glorious win on finals day at Henley Regatta 2022. Rebecca, Nuala, Hannah and Jemima are modest yet mighty, humble yet heroic.

Their race will be talked about for years to come and the inspiration they are to others a fitting legacy, especially for Hannah and Nuala who have completed their Sixth Form studies and have been awarded rowing scholarships at Brown and Minnesota Universities respectively. Watching them, sat calmly, staying loose in their boat, moments before the start of each race visualising the event, was impressive - finding their rhythm immediately! Beating Trentham on Friday, local rivals Shiplake on Saturday in the rain and then their brilliantly executed plan to beat Redwood, USA in Sunday’s memorable final was simply amazing and Claires Court staff, pupils and students shouts of ‘come on Claires Court’ were ringing out by the Thames and in towns and villages across the region. 

Such impressive victories do not happen by chance - Claires Court School Boat Club plan ahead and build their programme in cycles, so J15 and J16 athletes experience a comprehensive training and competition programme with the intention of preparing to win trophies at J18 level. Sunday’s result was the culmination of this plan, despite covid’s best attempts to derail it, which required commitment, dedication and desire from the crew, and their coaches, of course, not just on the bright, sunny days but through the dark, wet, winter training sessions too. 

For the first time since the inception of CCSBC 17, yes 17, students had earned their place in the world’s most prestigious regattas. The Princess Elizabeth 8 qualified to compete against Kings School Chester narrowly missing out on progressing further. Luke and Will in Year 12 and James and Isaac in Year 13 rowed hard and can be proud of their performance. The Fawley Challenge Cup crew with Harry, Matt, Max and Jonny pulled out all the stops, beating second seeds Leander on Friday but were beaten the next day by Windsor Boys B in the semi finals - powerful racing by both squads.

So congratulations to every single rower and to each coach who played their part, namely Mr Jesseman, Mr Richardson and Mr Jost. And to the unsung heroes too, yes the parents who keep unsociable hours, make bacon sandwiches at ungodly times in the morning and drive their children to and from the water and the ergos. Success is a team effort! A different sport, but the same sentiment expressed in England cricketer Jack Leaches statement, epitomises the rowers' focus and vision: ‘when you’ve got real clarity in what you want to achieve as a team and how you want to play, it makes things a lot easier.’ (Jack Leach is part of Ben Stokes' brave and successful England XI).

Enjoy the weekend and the summer too as it stretches out ahead of us.

Mrs. Rogers