Collaboration and family ties: Coming together at the British Rowing Club Championships

A scratch crew from within one club is always fun to see, but a composite of three teams had several heads turning at the beginning of racing on day two

The Open J18 Eights saw a composite of Queen’s Park Chester RC, Royal Chester RC, and Warrington RC race their heat on Saturday morning. Collaboration between clubs in the region was key in their journey to the Championships.

Kayte Parlevliet, Queen’s Park Chester Rowing Club coach, said: “We have a really strong collaborative approach in the North West region. Several coaches had mentioned that they had a few senior boys who were in their final year at school, and that it would be nice to bring them together to race in a full eight, as their respective clubs don’t have an eight.”

Bringing together a crew is always a challenge for a coach; add in schools breaking up and families heading on their summer holidays, and it can be a tricky period to train as one crew.

“The boys have all been messaging each other outside of training, too. They get on really well and support one another”

“Let’s just say that we had a vision to have more than one training session. In reality, we managed to get one outing as a whole crew. They were practicing a racing start on their way down to the start line,” said Kayte.

Forming a part of the crew were four rowers from Warrington RC (stroke, three, seven, six), three rowers from Queen’s Park Chester RC (four, five, bow), and sitting in the two seat a Royal Chester RC rower. Both on and off the water, the crew showed true camaraderie, with the clubs sharing a tent to shelter from the morning’s rain.

Credit: AllMarkOne

“I think it’s just a great showcase of that collaborative work. The boys have all been messaging each other outside of training, too. They get on really well and support one another,” said Kayte.

Whilst the composite finished fourth in their heat, sending them through to the repechage, Claires Court School BC came out on top and headed straight into the final.

Claires Court School BC coach Alex Richardson, said: “We got off to a good start, and the crew found a nice rhythm. They delivered a pretty solid piece. Yes, the rain started to come down, but they’ve rowed in worse! We’re looking forward to the battle in the final.” Reading Blue Coat BC won the other heat – Alex’s crew are excited to race their neighbouring rivals for medals.

“It’s safe to say that I lived every stroke with her”

Close ties don’t end on the water at the British Rowing Club Championships. In the commentary box, former rower Martin Knight is not only behind the mic, but also proudly supporting his daughter Anja, who rows for Nottingham and Union RC.

“It’s been super exciting to be in the commentary box and to be supporting Anja as she races. On Friday, I wasn’t in commentary, as she was competing in the J16s Single Sculls and progressed to the A Final.

“It’s safe to say that I lived every stroke with her. Today, I have been in the commentary box but hot-footed it down to wish her the best of luck as she raced in the semi-final of the doubles.

I find being a father, coach, and commentator really exciting, and a nice way to be a part of her rowing journey.”

Catch up on today’s racing on Champs Live!