On Saturday 13th September, four Old Canfordians proudly represented the school at the 2025 Old Blades Regatta: George Streeton L12, Rupert Talfourd Cook S17, James Martin B79, and George Farthing C20.

George S and Rupert found themselves in fine company, slotting into the bows of a Shiplake Vikings crew bolstered by five Henley winners (2025 PE & 2024 DJ). Meanwhile, James joined forces with seven Eton Vikings in a ‘masters’ crew, coxed by George. With the highest average age in the competition by more than a decade, they entered the day as true underdogs.

The regatta format consisted of two 500m semifinals, with handicaps set according to average crew age. Both OC composites faced tough opposition, including two Eton PE-winning crews (1995 & 2005) and two Hampton Lions’ boats (1995 and a newer alumni mix). The OC/Eton Vikings took full advantage of their 7-second head start, storming into the A final. The OC/Shiplake Vikings, despite showing strong pace, narrowly missed out.

The A final delivered a thrilling spectacle. In a gladiatorial showdown with the 1995 Eton Vikings, James, George F, and their Eton crewmates went stroke for stroke, crossing the line at rate 40 in a dramatic photo finish. Victory was awarded to the OC/Eton composite, securing the 2025 Old Blades Regatta title.

To the best of our knowledge, this marks the first time Canford has lifted the Old Blades trophy, a fantastic achievement and hopefully the start of many more to come.

The provisional date for next year’s regatta is Saturday 19th September 2026, and we very much hope to see Canford return to defend the title, perhaps with a full OC crew.

Our thanks goes to George Farthing for putting an OC crew together!

If you are interested in joining the Old Canfordian Boat Club (OCBC), please join the Facebook group here.