With the first day of Henley Royal Regatta due to get underway on Wednesday at 9am GMT, here is a rundown of some of the first day highlights to watch out for.
All times are local.
9:20 AM: Race 5 - University of Virginia vs Colgate University, USA
An all-American affair to get the Prince Albert Challenge Cup for student coxed fours underway. Colgate were second in the third men's Varsity Four at the IRA State Championships, whilst Virginia, who are regulars at Henley, have boated members of their second Varsity eight into this event.
9:40 AM: Race 8 - University College, London vs. Yale University
This is likely to be a one-sided affair, but we get to see the might of Yale's hand for the first time at this regatta. This crew is comprised of members of their second and third Varsity eights, the former of whom finished second at the Eastern Sprints and defeated arch-rivals Harvard in their annual clash. The London-based boys from University College London will struggle to get past Yale.
10:10 AM: Race 13 - Shrewsbury School vs. Tabor Academy, USA
One of the strongest domestic crews against perhaps one of the weaker boats from the USA. Shrewsbury last won this event in 2007 and are coached by Athol Hundermark, one of the leading lights on the junior coaching circuit. This should be a pretty competitive first-day event.
11:10 AM: Race 23 - Bucknell University vs. University of London 'A'
Another mouth-watering prospect on the Wednesday morning, as two strong contenders for the Temple prize go head-to-head. Bucknell were second at the ACRA National Championships, equalling the best finish in the programs history. Meanwhile, the University of London have had a stellar season in the UK, finishing fifth in championship eights at BUCS Regatta.
2:05 PM: Race 37 - Exeter University vs. Cornell University 'A'
This is the first time we get to see the boys from Cornell in action. They bring with them a winning mentality, having gone undefeated throughout the 2017 racing season in the varsity lightweight division. Exeter will be cursing the rowing Gods for such a tough first-day draw.
2:30 PM: Race 41 - Shiplake College vs. Westminster School
Arguably the race of the Wednesday sees two junior heavyweights square off on day one. These crews finished third and fourth respectively at the National Schools' Regatta, and it's certainly unusual to see them meet each other so early in the competition. Shiplake will probably start as slight favourites, but anything can happen on the Henley course.
3:05 PM: Race 47 - Santa Clara University, USA vs. Worcester Polytechnic Inst, USA
Two crews who came through qualifiers to face each other on the Wednesday. Santa Clara raced at Reading Town Regatta and won their final, incidentally beating their Wednesday opposition in the form of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. With the two crews now well accustomed to each other, we're looking forward to round two.
3:50 PM: Race 55 - Durham University 'A' vs. Edinburgh University
The holders of the event from Scotland face off against a Northern counterpart in the form of Durham. Edinburgh have an entirely new line-up and finished second in the 'B' final of championship coxed fours at Marlow Regatta. Durham have a strong affinity with this event, but will struggle to overcome the might of their Scottish opponents.
5:40 PM: Race 63 - Montclair High School, USA vs. King's College School
The US national junior champions enter the fray for the first time, as they meet King's College School from Wimbledon, London. Montclair arrive in Henley with the winds of speed in their sails, as reigning US national schoolboy champions and winners of the Stotesbury Cup. It remains to be seen whether they can outgun the best of the British.
7:00 PM: Race 76 - Deerfield Academy, USA vs. The Haverford School, USA
Yet another race involving two American crews, in a year when the US entry into Henley Royal Regatta has never been higher. Deerfield, who row in Massachusetts, are part of the New England Interscholastic Rowing Association, whilst The Haverford School are best known for their sculling exploits, However, the latter have jumped in the eight and successfully navigated qualifying races last Friday to set up a first-round match-up against a fellow US boat.
7:10 PM: Race 78 - University of California, Berkeley, USA vs. United Hospitals, London
The superlatives are almost exhausted when it comes to a summary of Cal Berkeley's racing pedigree. Multiple Henley and IRA titles speak for themselves, and Cal will return to Henley in 2017 with a vengeance after narrowly missing out on a Visitors Challenge Cup medal last year. This crew are very strong and made up of athletes from the 2V and 3V. Their British opponents were fifth in the final of University Eights at Marlow Regatta and will probably struggle to keep up with the Bears.
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