By Mrs Reeves (Head Rowing Coach)

Sunday 7th May saw the 157th Bedford Regatta. Bedford Amateur Regatta, founded in 1853 brings competitive rowing to the picturesque River Great Ouse in Bedford, and is one of the largest single day river regattas in the country.

Racing takes place on our home stretch of water through the heart of the town over a 1,200-metre course with races every two minutes and competitors travelling from across the country to compete. Over the years, the event has played host to many of the country’s up and coming top rowing athletes, with many going on to win Olympic and World Championship medals.

Over 80 rowers represented BGS at the regatta from Years 9 to Upper Sixth, and although on home water, competed in some of the toughest and most competitive races of their season so far. With the majority of the best girls’ school rowing programmes in the UK attending the regatta, it was a fantastic experience to get such high-level racing at our home regatta. In very tough fields, three of our fifteen crews made the final of their respective events, with 10 crews reaching the semi-final in their category.

One thing that it is safe to say did not disappoint was the ‘BGS Roar’ that could be heard from the banks of the River Ouse. Bedford Regatta is organised by a committee with representation from all the rowing clubs in the town, including BGS and continues to be one of the key social events in the town's calendar. It was fantastic to see so many BGS parents, supporters and alumnae enjoying the atmosphere of the regatta and supporting the BGS crews. On behalf of all of our rowers and the coaching team, thank you so much to those who came down to support and enjoy the added Coronation celebrations.

With our main regatta season now in full swing, the Boat Club now looks ahead to the National Schools Regatta at the end of May where we travel to Olympic venue Dorney Lake to compete over the three-day regatta.

View photos from the event here.

View the full results here.