The Club's Results

I did at least get to shake Santa's hand before Rudolpha and co. blitzed us down the course, winning by a significant fraction of the Reach. With a scratch crew versus a first novice boat, it was always going to be tough. However, the crew seemed to enjoy it, and actually, there was a remarkable level of timing. Sadly, this didn't translate into usable power, and boat speed, but we'll be back for Clare Novices. (Sam)

This race came as a surprise to me, but it was much closer than the first race. Off the start, Sara (with the extraordinarily long legs) strategically pulled us round into Selwyn, thereby slowing their advance on us. I think we were within a length for at least half of the reach, but by that point, the crew looked a bit tired, and we faded away to the sweet serenade of Sun's singing. Unfortunately, it wasn't Stravinsky, so the alliteration ends there.

Overall, we learnt:

1. Sara doesn't fit into Peter Brandt at anywhere other than bow (well, maybe 7, not sure). I am still in awe of this.

2. Alexa makes awesome minion costumes, and definitely has a better eye for colour than whoever made the Wolfson minion crew a fluorescent yellow/green colour.

3. That losing races doesn't have to be grim. Well, I learnt this. I've never seen anybody so pleased just to have raced as Pandora. Kudos. (Sam)

Racing was stopped mid-division after a tree beside the White Bridge blew over and partially blocked the river. (JSB)