Members of our rowing community came together on Saturday 22nd November at Harrodian's Putney Boat House for a special naming ceremony and lunch. Despite wet and cold conditions, student rowers, their families, Head of Rowing Ioan Riley, coaches Holly, Sean and Ollie, Headteacher James Hooke, Head of Seniors Rob Stewart and Head of Sport Ben Proudfoot were all in great spirits.
.jpg)
The event began inside the Boat House, where Headteacher James Hooke welcomed everyone before handing over to Head of Sport, Ben Proudfoot, who introduced the rowing team and coaches. Head of Rowing, Ioan Riley, then spoke about what a privilege it has been to be part of Harrodian’s rowing journey, helping to build the programme from its very early days. She thanked pupils and parents for the commitment and support that have allowed the Boat House to grow and flourish.
Captain Rob Stewart opened the Boat Naming ceremony and described it as a ritual—new to Harrodian, but a long-established tradition within the rowing and wider maritime world and one we hope to continue in future years.
Once guests moved outside, Captain Rob Stewart, Head of Seniors, opened the Boat Naming ceremony and described it as a ritual—new to Harrodian, but a long-established tradition within the rowing and wider maritime world and one we hope to continue in future years.
Drawing on his naval background, he explained that in maritime tradition a female sponsor, or “godmother”, is usually asked to christen a vessel by pouring or smashing champagne over the bow, a practice believed to bring good luck, protection and safe journeys. He consequently introduced performance rowers Isabella (14s) and Heloise (15s), who carried out the naming of each new boat.
Performance rowers Isabella (14s) and Heloise (15s) poured champagne over the new fleet...
Both girls took great relish in the task and, as they poured champagne over the new fleet, the girls’ octuple was named Sirens, the boys’ octuple Thunderbird, the girls’ quad Pegasus and the boys’ quad Phoenix.
After the naming, everyone warmed up with chilli, barbecued food, drinks and good company. Special thanks goes to our grounds manager and caretaker, Justin, for preparing such a well-received lunch.
The girls octuple was names Sirens, the boys' octuple Thunderbird, the girls' quad Pegasus and the boy's quad Phoenix.
Ms Riley said she was pleased to see so many of her student rowers at the event and noted that she is already looking ahead to further community occasions, including a planned rowing tour to Italy next Easter. Reflecting on the day as a whole, Mr Proudfoot added that the event “was a great success” and thanked parents for their support, noting that more details about opportunities for the remainder of the season will be shared in due course.
