Saturday 16 August 2008

Peterborough Summer Regatta, 2008


Chris Jillings reports on Peterborough Summer Regatta:



It all came good at the weekend for Clio at the Peterborough Summer Regatta winning on both days and coming home with a nice matched pair of pots. As there is no J15 at this weekend Clio moved up to WJ16 and emphatically trounced her older opporsition on both days.

The wind blew stiffly on each day (and through the campsite all night!!) and unusually for Peterborough, it was pointing straight down the course - recodbreaking conditions! Clio was out of the gate with her usual confidence and was never behind, drawing away with every stroke for a 2-length win. Urged onby the coach from a rapidly moving bicycle, our star performer just missed equaling the W Junior 15's course record by 1 second!!

Another suprise greeted us at prize-giving - winning her first WJ16 race means Clio is no-longer a Novice. A clipped card now shows an S4 sculler - well done!!

500 metre sprint day on Sunday and a stronger tail wind was lifting Deben-sized waves at the bottom end of the course. Many of the less experienced were struggling with blade clearance and a couple of major crabs were spotted in the 'beginner' crews. Back in her "favourite" Lane 1 again for the evening's straight final Clio's start sequence gave her a half-length lead and relentless leg drive produced a win by clear water. A well-deserved holiday now awaits!