Bedford Small Boats Head

Event Details

2k downstream, through 3 narrow bridges.

Crews

Novice 4

• Steve Henry – stroke
• Myself – 3
• Sandy McGilvroy – 2
• Scott – bow
• Camilla – cox

Double

• Myself – stroke
• Sandy McGilvroy- bow

Results

Novice 4

07:31 – 18 seconds faster than last year.

Double

08:01 – 19 seconds faster than last year.

Race Report

Novice 4

The day didn’t start well when we realised we’d forgotten the cox box and life jacket. Luckily Camilla managed to borrow one from Peterborough, thank you guys. Next we noticed that one of the compartment covers had come off in transit so we borrowed one from the double and got creative with some tape. Next the rain came and boy did it pour!

We boated from a very high sided and muddy bank and proceeded to row well down to the start. We set off fairly hard but it became apparent there were issues after only the first straight. Camilla had to keep calling for more on stroke side to get us round the bend. This got worse as we approached the main road bridge, to the point where bow side had to back off. Moving into the second half of the course the boat just wouldn’t run straight so we never got into a rhythm. Eventually Camilla had to start putting her hands in the water in an effort to help us turn.

Lifting the boat out at the end we noticed that the rudder had sheared off. With this in mind I think our performance was damn good and Camilla’s coxing was exceptional. For the next race we’re going to have to get a race specific rudder! Later is noted that today was the 13th, I’m not usually one for superstition but…

Double

Rowing down to the start Sandy and I quickly focused. The balance was good and the warm up bursts put some run on the boat. By the time we’d reached the start the sun had come out and we felt good.

We started well, winding up quickly and rowing long. We had City of Oxford chasing us down but we kept them at bay. By the main road bridge they we’re gaining so we pushed and drove ahead.

As the course bended we moved out to overtake and got caught very near the wall. Sandy called for more stroke side but it was too late as the course narrowed as well as curved. We hit the side just under one of the bridges. City of Oxford went past and I crabbed as we tried to get back up to speed. We got it back together but finished with a bit too much red mist.

Up until the wall incident it was by far our best race. We would have kept City of Oxford at bay as we had the power when required. We also stayed much drier than normal. I think with a few more weeks in the sculls we may have a chance this season.