STRATFORD-upon-Avon Boat Club entered a crew into the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta qualifiers for the first time in several years.
Will Beattie, Tomi Wilcock, Charles Happel and Toby Sartain competed in the junior quads event with the crew was a combination of scullers from Stratford, King Edward VI School and Kineton High School.
The quad were one of 70 crews competing for a place in the Fawley Challenge Cup final with only 24 advancing to the regatta.
And 16 crews had already secured regatta places based on performances throughout the season with the final eight slots available to the remaining 54 crews.
The Stratford crew put in their best row of the season, with Sartain steering a brilliant course, but were unable to qualify in strong headwind conditions.
Stratford’s J17 coach, Abi Terry, said: “It was great to see this talented group of lads competing on the course alongside the best crews in the world.
“During warm-up, they were followed by the GB men’s eight and the GB women’s four, something that doesn’t happen at any other event. I am so proud of this group and all that they have achieved.”
Stratford Boat Club president, Paul Stanton, added: “Racing at Henley Royal Regatta is the dream of every rower and the fact that these J17 rowers have achieved this at a comparatively young age speaks volumes for their determination and hours of effort put into their training over the last five years.
“Moreover, it is a testament to the massive effort that their dedicated coaches have put into their development, Stratford Boat Club is forever indebted to our coaches and all volunteers who selflessly give their time and expertise week after week.”
