Young St Alban’s rowers take on Boston’s Charles River, gaining priceless international experience and making memories to last a lifetime.
Pretoria, South Africa (31 October 2025) – St Alban’s rowers have returned from an incredible tour to Boston, USA, where they tackled the legendary Head of the Charles Regatta. For many of these Form 3 (U17) athletes, it was their first taste of international club racing, competing in the Youth Coxed Quad (U19) and Youth U17 Coxed Four events.
The team was warmly hosted by Belmont Hill School, which provided everything from boats and boathouse facilities to homestays with their rowers’ families. The boys even got a glimpse of American school life before hitting the water, quickly adapting to new boats and the famously tricky Charles River course, even when the weather tried to slow them down.
It’s not just St Alban’s making waves overseas. Earlier this month, another talented South African crew from the Western Cape also took on the Charles River in Boston at the same prestigious regatta.
Off the water, the young rowers got a real taste of Boston life. They explored historic landmarks, Quincy Market, and Harvard University, and even caught a nail-biting Boston Celtics vs Toronto Raptors game. Every moment was a mix of adventure, learning, and preparation for the big weekend ahead.
When race day arrived, the boys did more than just participate, they performed with focus and maturity. The Youth Quad finished 22nd out of 51, while the U17 Four came in 22nd of 30. An accomplishment for a squad so new to international competition.
But it went beyond the rankings. The tour offered lessons in teamwork and handling pressure at the highest level. With every race and every adventure, the St Alban’s rowers returned home with strong results, memories and experiences that will stay with them for life. And of course the pride of representing their school on a world stage.
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Sources: St Alban College
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