That is Guernsey Rowing Club captain Ben Vaudin’s expectation ahead of the battle for inter-island bragging rights, in which for the first time both TPA and Trident Trust quad will be competing.
TPA are the reigning champions but have been pushed much harder than usual over the last year by new crew Trident Trust, here consisting of Paul Pearce, Matt Ashworth, Pierre Mahy, Chris Markham and cox Nicky Will.
‘I am expecting Trident Trust and TPA to come in at, or near, the top,’ Vaudin said.
‘I’m expecting one of those two boats to win the race and it would be no surprise if the other one of them is close behind.
‘I would certainly expect to see both in the top three overall.’
Generally, when it comes to how Guernsey’s eight crews will fare over 27km, the captain is reluctant to make predictions.
What appears to be a transitional stage in Jersey rowing has left them with several new combinations.
‘There’s quite a lot of change in the composition of Jersey crews,’ he said.
‘People are now in boats where you would not normally expect them to be. I think there’s been a bit of a shake-up.’
In a men’s singles field of seven, Liberum’s Stephen Ozanne looks to have a compelling race on a level playing field with three other competitors, who are supposedly using the same boat as him.
‘They will all be racing Swift singles,’ Vaudin added.
‘It will be interesting having four in the same class, in exactly the same rowing boat, racing in the same conditions.’
Elsewhere in the fleet, there are plenty of new faces and combinations representing Guernsey.
This includes the island’s two doubles entries – the men’s Imperium, where Oscar Webber joins David Gilmour, and successful women’s pairing Double G.
TCS Tide Chasers will be competing as Guernsey’s sole women’s quad and facing three Caesarean crews.
Albany Trustees, featuring Lt-Governor Sir Richard Cripwell, will join the quality-packed men’s quads fleet.
Meanwhile, mixed quad Geomarine bring a real mix of experience levels.
On the one hand, Dave Perrio will be returning after achieving a milestone 40th Sark to Jersey finish last summer. This contrasts with the newer faces of Chelsea Gilbert and Ellie Wilson.
‘It’s fantastic to see so many novices – to the Sark to Jersey – taking part in the race this year,’ the GRC captain added.
‘I hope they enjoy it – I still remember my first one.
‘I’m excited for them, to see what they can achieve.’
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