Rowing isn’t for the faint-hearted – it demands discipline, teamwork, resilience and plenty of early mornings. But for three of our brilliant Year 9 students, it’s become a passion that’s seen them racing in historic events, forging new friendships, and quite literally weathering the storms.

This year, Hudson McN (Ripley), Bibi G and Gracie Cav (both Marmion) have been representing the Royal Chester Rowing Club, one of the oldest rowing clubs in the country. All three started through the club’s Learn to Row programme and were quickly hooked. Hudson joined the junior team in summer 2023 and raced for the first time in January 2024. Bibi and Gracie followed in his wake after completing the summer course last year, and have been racing in the junior women’s categories ever since.

Together, they train up to four times a week, braving all seasons on the River Dee. In the winter months, training shifts to circuits and strength sessions at QPHS, but nothing beats being out on the water — even when conditions are less than ideal. This June’s Chester Regatta (the world’s oldest, dating back to 1733) served up a surprise hailstorm mid-race. And, in true Dee fashion, there’s always the extra challenge of navigating around passing ferries and pleasure boats.

Despite this, our students have had some fantastic results. Hudson’s junior men’s J13 coxed quad claimed a commanding victory at the Shrewsbury Regatta, and he’s since competed in both quads and doubles. At the Chester Regatta, he rowed in the winning J14 quad — and even when pipped at the post in his doubles final, his resilience shone through. “Being on the water is the best,” he says. “The coaches are great. I’ve rowed and raced in all positions now, but I prefer bow.”

Hudson has now been selected to represent the RCRC in the National British Rowing Club Championships and will be competing in the J14 coxed quad division July 21st in Nottingham.

Gracie also made her debut at the Shrewsbury Regatta, competing in the J13 category racing in a quad that had taken an early lead when a steering fault brought the race to an abrupt halt. After a quick fix, the crew were allowed to race again, but the earlier momentum was lost.

At the Chester Regatta the following weekend, she raced in a double and looked set for victory before an unfortunate combination of gusty wind and a drifting opponent led to a frustrating disqualification. It’s all part of the ups and downs of rowing, and Gracie remains as enthusiastic as ever:

“I’ve always loved paddleboarding, so I gave rowing a try and really enjoyed it. I’ve made new friends and love rowing in a double,” she says.

For Bibi, the buzz of training and the unpredictability of racing are all part of the experience. “I did my first Regatta at Shrewsbury, I was the cox on a quad, and we won! Last weekend it was the Chester Regatta, I was again in a quad, we were winning at Chester Regatta until one of my crew caught a crab,” she laughs. “But at least we didn’t capsize!”

All three students are also active participants in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Hudson has used rowing as the physical component of his Bronze Award this year, while both Bibi and Gracie plan to include it in their Silver Award journey next year — a perfect fit for a sport that blends physical challenge, mental resilience and teamwork.

As the summer regatta season gets into full swing, we are incredibly proud of Hudson, Gracie and Bibi for their commitment, sportsmanship and skill on the water. We wish them the very best of luck for their next races — and many more to come!