A stormy Sunday afternoon set the stage for a dramatic return of the Wingfield Sculls, a unique invitational event in which six of the UK’s top scullers go head-to-head over the Championship Course.
Last Sunday, champion Callum Dixon lined up against five rivals in the shadows of Putney Bridge as he sought to retain his 2024 title in the men’s race.
Two of those rivals – a third of the field – chose to make their challenge in Filippi shells: George Bourne (Leander Club), and Max Raymond-Barker (Lea Rowing Club).
Before the race, George spoke about how he intended to use the experience he gained on the Tideway during his journey to claim victory in the 2025 Boat Race.
All the scullers got away well at the start of the race, despite the challenging conditions. Soon, though, Dixon established a commanding, clear-water lead as he avoided the early scraps between the other races.
However, as the flotilla began to round the first bend, Bourne swapped stream for shelter and dove under Fulham Football Ground in a move reminiscent of some of The Boat Race’s most daring coxing moments.
The gamble paid off.
Bourne relentlessly narrowed Dixon’s lead to draw level at Harrods Furniture Depository, before drawing clear by Hammersmith Bridge.
Bourne continued to scull a flawless race, despite particularly harsh weather on the Chiswick Strait, to finish first and claim his maiden Wingfield Sculls victory.
Post-race, George said he was “absolutely chuffed” to take his first Wingfields victory.
“It was a tough start,” he continued, “I just totally lost it on the first stroke and fell behind, but I knew that if I could find some shelter around the first bend, I would have a chance of coming back.”
“The conditions were pretty rough, but I tried to draw on my Tideway experience from Cambridge last year and made some tactical choices to sacrifice pure speed in the stream for better water in the shallows.”
The race marks the start of this year’s season for George, and was also the maiden outing for his brand-new Performance Filippi.
“It’s a great start to the season, and the first race for my new boat!”
“I previously used the same hull as this, so I understand how it handles; the Performance upgrades on this boat make it stiffer, faster, and more responsive. I feel like I can just keep pushing harder and harder, and the boat stays with me all the way.”
George will now prepare to re-enter the GB Rowing Team squad ahead of the 2026 World Rowing season.
