WANTED - Cox for Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon (Sunday 16th September) is an annual event along a 50km stretch of river between Boston and Lincoln. Although gruelling, it is a great experience and attracts hundreds of crews of all ages, shapes and sizes from around the UK.

This year Tim E. and Simon N. are hoping to go the distance in a composite VIII and are looking for a cox. If you're small, light and would be happy to guide and encourage the crew along the course, the guys would love to hear from you...

See here for more info on the race: http://www.bostonrowingmarathon.org.uk/

Ian & I, as well as Roger & Alex all took part in last year's event and will be happy to tell you all about it.

Club Fun Day & BBQ

A report on the day's events from Will N:

"Thank you all who took part in yesterday’s fun day in the rain.

For those of you who could not join us, the rain showers eased off sufficiently whilst we were afloat, and the BBQ was eaten within the club house in the rain. This gave those who had not been afloat an opportunity to get damp as the rain slowly percolated through our roof. Perhaps the structure exists just to keep the wind out.

Those competing were allocated, unfairly as it turned out, into two teams; red and gold. All boats were marshalled at the green buoy and then raced back to Methersgate with wind and tide. Out on the water were pairs of yellow perils, double mondegos, ladies doubles, junior ladies singles, men’s doubles, men’s singles, veteran men’s singles. After the sprint race, all returned to the green buoy for the slog for home. Whilst the intent was to start the boats in the sequence of slowest first, with previous race winners penalised by a handicap of anywhere from 12-20 seconds, the sequence turned out to be when pairs were ready: Go. (maybe the marshal was not that comfortable in a single in the choppy conditions). The lack of clarification of the finish line also proved somewhat problematic to the umpire. Malcolm, with children Alexander and Katherine, willingly assumed this role and ably chaperoned the laggards back up the river, but were unable to clarify who had won the individual pairings. Was the finish line in front of the sailing club, or when the boat was on trestles?

I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and I think we have a format for future years, whilst still having plenty of opportunity for improvisation and improvement.

With numbers increasing from 23 to 39 less than 24 hrs before the event, catering was a little bit more involved than had been hoped with additional run around purchasing required. However, after costs and on the assumption that those who signed up but did not turn up will still pay up, as a bonus we should have raised a tidy little sum for the club. For those who have not yet paid, £5 please to Nicola.

The key of the day was to have fun, and I don’t think the weather prevented us from doing that.

Thank you all.

W"

And, just a few words to add from me...I'd like to point out that the teams were perfectly fair, but the 'gold' team was simply inspired on the day by shouts of "Go Team Banana" from their captain. Also, apologies for limited selection of photos...combination of rain, lack of batteries and failure to switch on the flash - oops :-(

Thanks to everyone for taking part, helping out and bringing their families along!

Sudbury Regatta

Last Saturday Ken, Nicola, Roger, Simon N. and Will all competed in the regatta at Sudbury RC. Particular congratulations to Simon (pictured left), who won his event - hurray! - and has kindly put his journalistic talent to good use with the following report:

There's not many regattas where you can hear a brass band in your ear as you cross the finish line...but Sudbury is one of those events.

Busiest of us all was Will N. Not only did he kindly tow the trailer, he ended up sculling the course four times! After the umpires found Will guilty of employing the "deben shoulder barge" on his Lea oppo as they raced for home in Nov 1x, a re-row was agreed. However, fear of the Deben hillbillies was clearly growing and as Will waited at the start, his young oppo pulled out, leaving Will do an exhibition piece down the course. I'm not certain, but I believe the band were playing Rocky at this point...

Next up it was Mr Notcutt again, this time doubling with Nicola. It was a close race, with a few steering "moments" from both crews, W&N - like many - getting a little too familiar with the reeds as they passed the pillbox. Weybridge eventually pipped Will and Nicola to the post by 3/4 of a length.

As Will enjoyed a well earned rest, the honour of the DRC fell to Ken and Roger in the Vet C double. Rog had donned his purple shorts for the occasion and there was even sight of Ken stretching! The boys meant business.

Like all the DRC crews, Ken and Rog had the Suffolk side of the river. Although the start is staggered, it still means you have to take the long route around the bend. Their opponents, Broxbourne, had come in numbers and powered to a strong lead, eventually winning by four lengths.

Next it was my turn. Lack of numbers meant it was a straight - if rather odd - final, with me (Vet B) racing a guy from Maidenhead Invicta who was Vet C. The age difference meant he had a three second start from the stakeboat. He was so eager he false started before we eventually got away. He powered to the bend but as we entered the straight I managed to take him. Petrified of repeating last year's "oops there's the reeds" moment it felt like I was looking over my shoulder almost every stroke. Crossing the line three lengths up was a nice feeling.

Finally came Will's fourth outing of the day in the final of Nov 1x against a guy from Henley Boat Club. The long day probably told, as Will lost by four lengths but not without a spirited fight. I'm sure that Novice pot won't be far away. All in all a great day's racing in lovely weather. Reminded me why I do this mad sport! SN

Full results available on the Sudbury website: http://www.sudbury.rowing.org.uk/