Cambridge Head, 17th November 2012

Both the boys and girls Junior quads were entered in for the Cambridge Winter Head with some trepidation on Saturday.

On the previous occasion, on their first attempt in the Cambridge Autumn regatta, the boys made a slight detour via the bank, and the girls hadn't raced together before at all... There was also the fact that they were racing at WJ18 and J18 level, with four of the crew being underage.

We needn't have worried, however. Both came back in high spirits, with a win in their respective events, beating several Cambridge based and University crews into the bargain.

The trophies will be sent on to them shortly... A classy hip flask each apparently. Congratulations to them all, as well as coach James, who is as pleased as the fruit punch they will put in the flasks!

We also had the company of the early bird Senior IV, in their first outing, who came a creditable third in their class.  It needn't be mentioned how many entries there were, surely.

WJ18  4x  Megan, Katy, Olivia & Izzy

J18  4x  Chris, Simon, Dylan & Kyle

Report from: Julian Haywood Smith

Norfolk Sculls Results

Congratulations to all 9 Deben Racers who took part in this event, on a beautiful stretch of the river Yare in Norwich. The trailer took a full capacity 9 boats to the race, sadly 2 were unused as Spencer and Megan both succumbed to a nasty bug the day before.

The honours went to Katy and Olivia in winning their first pot in the Novice category in the Short Course, and only the second time they have raced together. They beat 5 other crews from Norwich, Beccles and Ely in the process. 

Simon came very close to winning his Novice 1x category, in his first ever race in a single, coming equal second, only 9 seconds behind the winning Beccles rower who was familiar with the river.

Chris and Kyle came 1st and 2nd respectively in their singles, but were the only two entrants, so could not claim a pot.

Izzy came 2nd in her singles event, and the Junior double of Chris and Kyle showed the very experienced Senior double, Michael and Neil, how speedy they have become since they were paired together only last Summer, coming 2nd in their event to a very classy Norwich double.

(Full report, as well as other essential information for racers can be found on the DRC racing GroupSpace - click here)

Julian Haywood Smith (Juniors Secretary)

Circuits are back!

This year Nick Redman and John Cross have organised the sessions which are to take place at:

Farlingaye School on Wednesday evenings starting on 7 November

Never done circuits before? Don't be put off by thinking they are too hard, or that you're not fit enough - everyone can do as much or as little as they feel able!

Most sessions will be in the gym (though during school exams we will be moved into the fitness suite). Please ask around the club if you are new to circuits and not sure where to find the gym.

As before, the plan is to assemble in the gym around 6:30pm. Those who wish can go out for a run.  Others must warm up in the gym. 

Attendance will cost £20 per half term (or £3 per session).

The sessions will focus mostly on moving body weight, though for the heroic ones small weights will be available. After a warm down in the gym, sessions will close at 8:00pm.

Doing regular land training will pay dividends when we get on the river.  Nick and John ask that you bring appropriate music to encourage us during the sessions.

Forthcoming Socials

Have fun and support the club by attending and offering to help with the forthcoming social events and contact Sue Stockton for more information:

·        2^nd December: stall at the Christmas Market in the Thoroughfair, Woodbridge, for selling Deben calendars

·        14^th December: Club Party with licenced Bar.  Please see poster in clubhouse for more details

·        29^th December: post-rowing Mince Pies and Mulled Wine at the clubhouse

·        January : video night aimed at the juniors - aimed at a night to fit in around exams and 18^th parties)

·        February: pub night - To be arranged, half term looks good!

·        March: Fish and Chip Quiz Supper

Greg Searle Event Cancelled

Unfortunately, due to other commitments, Greg has had to cancel his visit to Woodbridge and sends his apologies

Club Racing Update

From Mike Fisher, racing captain:

This is a DRC racing update, aimed at making sure everyone knows where DRC is planning to compete over the next few months. I hope this will encourage more people to get involved in racing – maybe sharing organisation/boat transport and providing support from the bank.

As we move into Autumn, there are several opportunities for racing, not too far away. Whether you are an experienced competitor or not – junior, senior or masters – if you can cope with conditions on the Deben, there's no reason not to give it a try.

Head races, against the clock over longer distances, give everyone the chance of a good outing in new surroundings and to see how they measure up against similar crews from other clubs. Ideal for gaining experience and fitness over the winter!

A full list of races in the Eastern Region for September–November is available from the calendar at www.britishrowing.org which has lots of information on events and racing in general.

So far, crews from DRC have entered, or are planning to enter:
9 Sept.  Cambridge Autumn Regatta (Junior quad, 3 Junior doubles, 4 Junior singles, 1 Women's single)
29 Sept.  Yare Cup (Juniors, events tbc)
3 Nov.  Norfolk Sculls (Neil Cawthorn and Michael Streat)
   
There are also two coxed fours (sweep) with ambitions to do the Cambridge Winter League, at least.

Please let me know if I've missed anyone with plans already and I'll include in the next update, or sooner if I know of people interested in joining an event.
If you're interested in getting involved in competing for DRC, please get in touch. I'm sure there will be no shortage of advice and encouragement from other members of the club.

Mike

Row for Gold Update

 Hello,

Like many other rowing clubs around the country, DRC has recently witnessed a huge wave of interest in the sport stemming from the Olympics. We have had over 60 enquiries and more than 30 people have already completed taster sessions.

This is wonderful!! We are still keen to hear from more potential new members, and to do our bit in helping to deliver the 'Olympic legacy'  to the next generation of sportsmen and women.

That said, we are a small club and the influx of new members presents its own unique challenges for us. Therefore, we will now be operating a waiting list system and everyone interested in having a go should contact William (07771 664463) in order to register their interest. Places for taster sessions and Learn to Row courses will then be allocated on a first come, first served basis according to the order on the waiting list. The club rows and trains throughout the year, so there is no disadvantage in attending a taster course later this year.

We look forward to seeing you at the club soon!