Walton Small Boats Head has been held every year at Walton Rowing Club since the young Henry VIII won it in 1512, narrowly defeating our current captain, Nick De Cata, then in his prime. Nick had stayed over from Spain after the Armada, and his Aylings sculling boat El Tonto del Pueblo is still in use today.

WSBH is traditionally regarded as the last chance to burn off a few hundred calories before the annual Crimbo bacchanalia. However last year's race was, sadly, cancelled, due to too much water, or the wrong kind of water, or icebergs; we can't remember now.

But anyway it's on again this year. Hopefully bigger and badder than ever. The usual small boats categories are all catered for: boys and girls from 13 years old to 58, or 68, or whatever category turns up this year, to prove how much age has withered them. The author shall be there to challenge any VetC scullers out there, and Walton's indomitable juniors will doubtless sweep, or more likely scull, all before them.

After the race you can enjoy the incomparable hospitality of WRC bar and snacks, contribute generously to the WRC rebuilding fund, and finish off with a refreshing swim in Old Father Thames: we'll all follow you after we've finished this pint - honest.

Send in your entries, and we look forward to seeing you at Walton for a great day's racing.

Please click here for a downloadable map of the course.

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