For the first time in its 170-year history, Bedford Regatta took place on a Sunday to avoid the King’s Coronation. A glorious sunny day heralded the start of racing at 8.30am with races taking place every three minutes until 7.30pm.
In 2020, Phoenix Boat Club was established to give OBs the opportunity to race together at events around the country. The Club’s first competitive outing was at Henley Royal Regatta in 2021 where a coxless four and pair represented the Club (see story HERE). 
This year saw the Club enter two events at Bedford Regatta in an eight and a four. Following a solid practice outing the night before the regatta, the eight faced Latymer Upper School in the first round, who they beat convincingly by 2 ½ lengths. Next up was University College, Oxford who were beaten by a similar margin resulting in the crew reaching the final. Here they met the Latymer 2nd VIII, after a strong start Phoenix gradually pulled away winning the event easily in one of the fastest times of the day. The crew was presented with their winning Cup by Regatta Secretary, Hugh Maltby (73-83), who ensured their tankards were filled with Bedford’s finest beer!
Ride onboard with the crew as they race down the enclosure to the finish HERE.
The open coxed four were unlucky to draw Hertford College, Oxford in the first round. A hard-fought race saw Phoenix narrowly losing to their opposition by the closest of margins in one of the quickest times of the day.
If you are interested in joining Phoenix and being part of the journey, please contact George Christian georgechristian0@gmail.com.
Meanwhile, the school 1st VIII, off the back of their recent Schools’ Head result (see HERE), enjoyed a successful day winning the top eights event in the fastest time of the day. They now look forward to the National Schools Regatta in a few weeks’ time.
Phoenix squad: Edwin Chan (15-19), Connor Sheridan (07–18), Jared Sheridan (07-16), Harry Sivills (06-17), George Christian (08-18), Austin Roberts (17-19), George Whitcombe (11-20), Boris Batine (98-00), Tom Christian (08-18), Jacob Bailey (11-22), Ed Lamb (10-17), James Deardon (11-22), Max Lusty (10-21), Charlie McCutcheon (17-22), Ben Giles (13-20)
Coach: Michael Ruta (00-11)
Rowing enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that the School and OB Club Drinks Reception at Henley Royal Regatta returns this year – on Tuesday 28th June. Find out more here.
Photos courtesy of AllMarkOne