The Club's Results

An unfortunate draw as Fitz look one of the strongest crews in the regatta.
They beat us off the start as expected. We never put the power down to catch up and they did nothing wrong that would have allowed us to. (Alasdair)

It's unfortunate to come across such a crew so early in the game. Fitz arrived with cleavers and a racing shell, and were very well trained. Our boys fought for length but couldn't keep up.

However, again, get a positive attitude and a good result at Fairbairns is far from out of reach. (Jij)

Fitz A were big guys with cleavers, and would have been hard pressed not to have a faster start than us. This had been discussed at the crew pasta and in the race chat, but nevertheless heads went down during the wind as they moved to about 4 seats up over the start. This wasn't fatal for an 800m race, but the belief wasn't there and didn't come back. Especially at First and Third, one should not be scared by some rugger bugger who is twice your weight and several inches taller.

The rate was ridiculously high - I *knew* it was a bad idea to teach novices to spin the hands! - so although catches were not horrendous we were only getting to half slide most strokes. Do NOT be the one that gives in and rows at half slide; keep the length, keep the speed in the water.

The push into the railway bridge was reasonable, and the rate settled from 35 to 30 as people got too tired to rush forward at such a pace. This should work to our advantage in Fairbarns: I don't believe anyone will be stupid enough to set off at such a pace for a race lasting at least ten minutes....

This week we will be practicing the first two minutes of FB, as well as some longer continuous rowing for fitness. Technique will concentrate on the drive, moving boat rather than water. Bring it. (Dan)

It's a real bonus for you guys that Dan is a pure mathematician, and hence doesn't have to abide by conservation of momentum. (Tom C)

Not the result we were looking for, nor representative of the last week's rowing.

Fairly good start, settling into a solid rhythm at a high - probably unsustainable - rate. Catches were going in well and my hopes were high as we powered under Emma footbridge.

Alas, the concentration started to slip as we came under Elizabeth Way. Already heads were turning to look at the blades and people were reaching for a little too much at the catch. Possibly this was slightly due to the rate, but nevertheless the focus wasn't where it should have been.

Of course, we all know that looking at one's blade guarantees 'unexpected seat failure' (all the boat's fault) and/ or crabbing. Rather than taking the time to calm down from these incidents - I'm not sure my excited shouting was what was needed - each restart was more panicked than the last. We limped down the reach with six rowers, a broken crew.

Still, hats off to the guys for keeping their heads up and for the immense legs-backs pushes that really could have made a lot of difference. Also, we managed to go faster than all the women's novice crews so it can't be ALL bad. (Dan)