News & Events
Cygnet Weekly Update: Monday 12th Jan 2015
12th January 2015
Evenin',
A relatively full update this week, but covers such exciting and important topics as racing, kit, and subs, so do bear with.
Time on the water was scuppered somewhat this weekend by the weather and a couple of no-shows (see below). But it was particularly heartening to see a strong turn-out for land training in the week. Witnessing all the ergs full of Cygnets knocking out 2x 20mins was a beautiful thing, as was having nearly 20 oarsmen and women from both clubs showing for circuits. Let's see if we can't beat those numbers this week.
This week
- Tues evening, Squad Erg Night. 2x 20mins r26/28 (changing every 10mins). A slightly more exciting/ painful variation of last week's.
- Thurs evening, Circuits. 7.15pm sharp at the school, don't forget to bring a towel and a water-bottle.
- Thurs evening, food after training - Cristobal is doing the honours this week, let him know if you're staying.
- Sat & Sun mornings - crew-lists and outing times to be confirmed. Please turn up 15mins before the time stated, so that we can boat on time.
Further Ahead
In terms of racing, these are the likely events we'll be building on over the Head season:
- Sat 31st Jan, Quintin Head - crew(s) to be confirmed shortly.
- Sat 14th Feb, Henley 4s & 8s Head - we haven't done this for a couple of years, but it's in a lovely location and divisions run at separate times (so we can double-up e.g. two 4s into an 8). Please indicate on the spreadsheet if you're available.
- Sun 1st Mar, Hammersmith Head
- Sat 28th Mar, Vets HORR
- Sun 29th Mar, HORR
Please update your availability as far as you can. And whilst we're on the subject of availability, a couple of things:
- Over the weekend we had a couple of issues with Cygnets not turning up - now that we're prepping for the Head races, please pay close attention to the weekly crew lists, and if you're in a boat definitely definitely don't unilaterally decide to not turn up. (As it was there was no real harm done, as we took the decision to cancel outings on Saturday due to the conditions, and on Sunday we had a vaguely competent sub (moi) who jumped in).
- We'll also be looking to do some midweek evening outings in the run-up to the races, so please indicate availability for those too.
Kit
If you want to race in the above, you will require as a minimum a Cygnet racing all-in-one (as well as raw power, technique, co-ordination etc.) Having been disappointed by DiBi's service with our last order, we've decided to go back to Godfrey. Their new fabrics got the general thumbs-up in the bar (and they also have the advantage of being able to produce some of our 'retro' items, for those so inclined).
All the available items are now on our club-page on the Godfrey site here:
http://godfrey.co.uk/club/cygnetrc,
and they have set up an ordering window with a cut off date for ordering ofMonday 9th February, to deliver kit around the beginning of March. You can order kit from their website anytime, but if you order in this window you will save money by only being charged the 2-11 price level, and only paying a fraction of the postage.
Apparently, almost all questions can be answered by info on the website, in particular:
- http://godfrey.co.uk/collation-information
- http://godfrey.co.uk/sizing-guide
- no money is taken until after the cut off date has passed, when they have had a chance to collate the orders, apply the discounts and then they can take the payments.
- the worst case scenario will be the 2-11 price level, even if someone is the only person to order a particular item, if it is ordered within the club ordering window.
Remember, you need at least a Cygnet all-in-one ("Custom Finesse AIO") to race , and the ordering window closes Monday 9th Feb.
Subs...
...are due I'm afraid. £260 for CSSC members or linked members, £320 for others. Best value club on the Tideway, cheap at twice the price, etc. etc.
That's all for now.
D
Cygnet Weekly Update: Monday 22nd Dec 2014
22nd December 2014
Evenin' All,
Final one of the year from me, and a short one as we all wind down for some mostly well-earned rest.
Several boats out over the weekend, and one unfortunate crew of 7 who were treated to an erg-relay instead of an outing on Saturday morning. And as well as outings on Sunday morning, we also had the Plum Puds. A crew was carefully selected(!) from across the range of our active squad, and was ably coxed by Marj - which was just as well, as the conditions at the start were pretty parlous. However, a surprisingly solid row and we finished fourth, allowing us to retire to the bar without the chore of having to trek to MAA to collect any prizes...
We also took the opportunity on Sunday to present Coach Sue with a small token of our appreciation for all the extra hours/ encouragement she provides Cygnet crews with. Unfortunately, no sooner had we done that, than she emails us all with a training timetable for the Christmas break. There is talk of a 5k test early after we all return, so I'd suggest you do what you can.
This week
Tues evening Squad Erg Night. Oh yes - just because it's Christmas Eve Eve, doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy: 5x 10min (each 4min r22, 3min r24, 2min r26, 1min r28) 4min light pressure in between.
(Next Tues evening, 30th Dec, it's 40min r20 feet-out).
Thurs evening no circuits, on account of it being Christmas Day. But there's nothing stopping you doing 200 burpees (well done to all those that completed last week's circuits in one piece...)
Circuits will start again after Christmas, once we've confirmed arrangements with the school. Do please include it in your regular weekly training timetable - it is invaluable, and is easier/ more fun the more turn up.
Sat & Sun morning - no set outings this weekend (27th/28th), but nothing stopping you arranging something amongst yourselves.
Sat 3rd Jan & Sun 4th Jan mornings - there may be set outings, depending on availability (so update your availability).
And that's all for this week, and indeed for 2014 - have a smashing break, and look forward to seeing you all in a couple of weeks for the ramp up to Head of the River Race weekend.
D
Cygnet Weekly Update: Monday 15th Dec 2014
15th December 2014
venin' All,
Lots of speculation and excitement this weekend around the Sports Personality of the Year award, or as we colloquially refer to it, "Barnes Bridge Ladies' Cygnet of the Year" - so congratulations to Stu, who had a bit more of a spring in his disco steps after that point on Saturday night.
Yes, it was the BBLRC Xmas Bash on Saturday night, and a grand time was had by all. Indeed, by the end, some of the partygoers had be on the go for nearly 12 hours straight, from the ruthlessly efficient Waddle (professionally administered by new Apprentice Whipman Mark W-R), to the venue for good food, good company, and energetic dancing, and afterwards onto the 'Waddle Into Darkness' back to the boathouse. Which was locked up at 4am I understand. Thank you to the BB Ladies for hosting, and for the Cygnets for managing to look halfways respectable.
There was also some rowing going on over the weekend, including some side-by-side pieces with BBLRC, and several scullers out. We hope to have one or two boats out for the Plum Puds on Sunday - see below.
This week
Tues evening Squad Erg Night. 30min r20 feet out. A classic to (almost) end the year on.
Thurs evening Circuits. Meet at 7.00pm at the club, or 7.15pm at the school. This is our last circuits of the year, and it would be good to have a good crowd to finish after a slightly disappointing turnout last week. (If you're looking for clear evidence of of the benefits of regular attendance at circuit training, may I refer you to Tom B's performance on the dancefloor on Saturday night).
Thurs evening post-circuits food. No-one on the rota this week - but the plan is to head to a local eatery within staggering distance of the boathouse afterwards.
Saturday morning outings. Remember, turn up at least 15 minutes before the boating time. Crew lists to follow
Sunday morning outings and Plum Puddings. For those who haven't done it before, the Plum Puds are a fun(ish) 'training piece' alongside other clubs. This year it's from Chiswick Pier to MAA boatclub, and kicks off at 11.15am. So can you please update your availability for this weekend - and if you put "Y" for Sunday, we'll assume you're up for the Plum Puds, unless you state otherwise. We ought to have enough for an 8+ and a mixed crew with BBLRC.
Other Stuff
Thanks to those that attended the 'Special General Meeting' on Sunday. Only agenda item was subscriptions rates, and those present approved the changes. From 1st Jan subs will be £260 for members with a CSSC membership, and £320 for non-CSSC members. It is impossible to mention our subs without also saying that we're still the cheapest club on the tideway etc. etc. Also, if you're not a Civil Servant or similar, you can become a 'linked' member by linking to a Civil Servant member, and thereby benefit from the cheaper subs - let me or Marj know if you need get linked.
Looking ahead to the new year, our first Head Race will be Quintin Head on Saturday 31st Jan. The organisers are also looking for anyone who can drive the launch to help out - let me know.
Finally, some sad news from Benrath. Many of us know and remember Fred Blasberg - indeed, several of us will have rowed the Rhine in the boat named after him. He was involved at the very beginning of the great partnership between Cygnet and Benrath, and would have very much enjoyed celebrating the half century of that relationship next year. Unfortunately that was not to be. He died aged 81 after a long illness. We will raise a glass of something suitable to him at the next opportunity.
D
