Captain’s Report May 2018
Events
May has been quite busy on the regatta front. It started with Bedford Regatta which is always a big test for our crews due to the number of schools and colleges that like to come. We had 6 entries from our seniors and juniors but unfortunately no wins.
The club then travelled to Worcester for what was to become quite a trying day. We had 25 entries mainly from the junior squad which translated into two wins. The senior quad of Taylor, Malys, Baker and Farley won their final by about one length and then had to quickly avoid an oncoming barge as they crossed the finish line. George Reed won in J16 1x in an all-Bedford final with Reece Kilby – well done boys!! The club was represented well by all crews on the day despite the difficulties with the dubious marshalling of the pleasure boats.
Our senior men travelled to Nottingham to the City regatta and won the Band 3 4- beating three crews to the finish line. In the afternoon they managed fourth place in the Open 4- final. The Farley quad raced in the morning and managed second place in Band 2 4x- behind a rapid Durham University beating Broxbourne and Rob Roy.
Boats.
The fleet is currently in pretty good shape there have been no reports of any damage this month. I am in discussion with Paul Cousins about planned maintenance to the Swift 8 and Dennis Peet. He is busy until the end of June and we will look at July for the resprays. There are a few hulls with some superficial scratches that need attention which we will address in house.
Club News
The club gazebo is being put to good use. It looks very impressive on the regatta fields – the best thing we have bought in a while.
Junior Rowing
What more can I say? The juniors are becoming an impressive bunch. Winning is becoming a habit for them. I hope the summer continues in the same way. GCSEs finish in two weeks and then the squad will be back to full strength and ready for a summer of competition.
Explore+
The new course is progressing on Saturday and Monday evenings. Our problem is that the regattas are getting in the way but all newbies are happy with their progress.
Forthcoming events
9 June Star
10 June Weybridge Ladies
16 June Marlow Town
22 June Henley Women’s
23 June Marlow
23 June St Ives
30 June Iron bridge