By Mr McEwen (Assistant Head Rowing Coach)

The BGS Rowing Club attended two major races in London on back-to-back days last week. On Friday 13 March, the crews raced in the Schools’ Head of the River Race (SHoRR), a 6400m time trial on the Thames rowed from Chiswick Bridge to Ranelagh Sailing Club on the Putney embankment, effectively the Boat Race course in reverse. Widely regarded as the national junior time trial championships, the event took place in dry and bright conditions, though a gusty breeze delayed the start.

Three BGS crews competed at SHoRR. The J15 A 8+ rowed well to place 6th in their category, a great effort and valuable experience for their first Tideway race of 2026. Our two senior boats, already familiar with the course, arrived well prepared. The 1st VIII overtook several crews to achieve BGS’s best ever 4th place in Girls’ School First Eights, finishing in 19:57. The 2nd VIII came 6th in Girls’ School Second Eights with 21:20, the first time BGS has ever raced a 2nd 8+ at SHoRR, highlighting the strength and depth of the current senior squad.

The following day, both senior boats took part in the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race (WEHoRR), the largest women’s rowing race in the world. The event covers a slightly longer 6800m course on the same stretch of the Thames, drawing crews from Olympic level to first-year beginners. Conditions were calmer with a tailwind for most of the course, allowing everyone to race aggressively and aim for fast times.

The 2nd VIII placed 200th of 304 overall and 28th of 30 in the School/Junior category. Their time of 21:58 set a new BGS record by 24 seconds, the best result for a 2nd boat in a decade. The 1st VIII finished 83rd overall and 12th in category with a new BGS record of 20:31, the school’s strongest result since 2012.

The club now looks forward to the Easter training camp and Summer regatta season.