The Club's Results

Having rowed in some pretty serious headwinds in outings just before the race, we felt conditions were almost pleasant on race day.

The marshal complimented us on being the only boat that had managed to hold its ground during marshaling on the reach, while various boats encroached from behind and drifted away up to Grassy. Our practice starts weren't bad, especially considering they were Danielle's first and second with us. However, our modicum of confidence in the day deteriorated quickly when the marshal above the start repeatedly demanded that we back it down to a spot ahead of us, and simultaneously Jesus attempted to spin into us. Now it was a real Cam river head race.

Despite all of this chaos, the first 500m felt very solid, with a nice flowy rhythm and a solid corner round Ditton. I felt we dealt with the renewed gusts on the reach well, but as we reached the kink both pressure and placements were deteriorating rapidly. We gained some speed back at the bridge, but failed to produce a convincing wind for the finish.

There's speed to gain from higher rates and working together, but continual improvements in both technique and fitness are still needed before Bumps. (Julia A.)