Quintin Takes on the London Youth Rowing – Oarsome Challenge 2025
Eight intrepid Quintin rowers took on the 17-mile Oarsome Challenge. Not only did they raise an incredible £2,385.50 for London Youth Rowing and The Chiswick Rowing Trust, they also came 1st place in the mixed crew race from Putney Bridge to Chiswick Bridge.
Initially placed 5th, it has now been confirmed by Andy Triggs Hodge, that a team with over 50% men was mistakenly given the top spot. The correction means our crew are the winners! They will have to wait to until 2026 to receive their champagne!
From East to West – Rowing for a Cause
Our team of eight gathered bright and early at Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club, with panoramic river views stretching across to the National Maritime Museum, the Cutty Sark, and the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. Perhaps a little too early… but it gave us the perfect opportunity to eye up the competition – and their flamboyant fancy dress!
Among the standout costumes were frog hats, crabs (hoping not to catch one!), and a team sporting grey moustaches and balding heads in tribute to civil engineer Joseph Bazalgette. But it was Boatylicious who won the prize – decked out in full bubblegum pink dresses. You’ve got to admire the commitment.
Snacks, Smiles & Small Surprises
Fuelled by snacks and excited anticipation, we awaited our turn to board. “They’re smaller than I thought,” said Sarah, seeing the boats for the first time. The wind picked up, rain started to fall, and it quickly became clear: this wouldn’t be an easy ride.
Once aboard the Naiad, we settled into an unusual rhythm – no feathering, no slide, just steady paddling and good humour. And with a crewmate sitting right beside.
As we paddled westward, the sights were iconic: Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, the Shard, Big Ben… all seen from the Thames. It was a memorable way to experience our city, even before the race section began.
The Race Begins
“We cannot be the last ones!” Arshia exclaimed as we were (momentarily) overtaken. But the timed part hadn’t started.
From Putney Bridge to Quintin, the stopwatch started and the gloves came off. it was game on. “Legs, legs, LEGS!” shouted Becca, encouraging an all-out effort. Our brilliant cox Isabel – from the London Youth Rowing team – counted us down in 10s at Millie’s request, keeping the momentum high. “Long strokes,” urged Devlin. “Pull up to your chest.”
“You’re gaining on the other boat,” Isabel called. We thought it might be a clever tactic, but Sarah said, “I can hear them!” “I can smell them!!” Becca added. To our delight, we passed not one but two boats, powering on all the way to the iconic striped blue pole marking the finish line of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.
Exhausted but elated, we tapped our boat over to Quintin Boat Club, greeted by David King, who had raced the same route and knew exactly how we felt. We celebrated with well-earned drinks at Mortlake Anglian & Alpha Boat Club.
Three-time Olympic gold medallist Andy Triggs Hodge oversaw the prize giving and shared moving words about the real impact of the event:
“These events raise money that puts us, as a charity, in the gold dust category. Helping kids on free school meals – kids who don’t get picked for sports teams.”
That’s the true prize: opening the sport to every young person, regardless of background.
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The crew: Devlin Lindeque, Roberta Gargiulo, Millie Emilia Dutto, Francesca Keys, Rebecca van Klinken, Maryna Vovk, Arshia Mahmood, Sarah Ghai
Words by Francesca Keys
