Captain's Log: Issue 12

Good Morning Cygnets, this is your Captain speaking

2022 is off to a strong start with squad training in full swing, on the water and on land. Fog in recent days has meant rather more on land than we would like, but it hasn’t dented the enthusiastic training effort.

Next weekend will see us hosting and racing Quintin Head and I will be pleased to get Eights Head season underway in earnest (more on that below). Meanwhile planning is underway for the summer regatta season and spring training camp.

BOAT NAMING: ‘Big Malc’ – This Sunday 12.00

We are very much looking forward to the naming of our new 4x/- this weekend and delighted that many of the Burman family will be joining us to mark the occasion and to toast our newest member of the fleet. Please join us at the boathouse from 12.00 as we toast ‘Big Malc’.

QUINTIN HEAD – 29 January

Crew Announcement

I am pleased to announce our first squad racing crew of the year. We are awaiting draw details to confirm our racing number, but representing the squad in Cygnet Colours will be:

8+ Noel Davison

Megan Eldred (coxswain), Rupert Bailey, Pete Goldsworthy, Matthew Gutteridge, Chris Jageurs, Matt Byrne, Andy Stromberg, Octavian Puzderca, Mustafa Ozyurt

Final race training will be this weekend, including a run down the course (University Stone to Harrod’s Wharf), ahead of raceday next weekend.

Crew Hosting: Please look out for further details from Henrik and the boating team, we are anticipating c. 30 crews being on site for hosting visiting Quintin crews. We will be grateful for boating and parking volunteers to help the day run smoothly.

CLUB KIT WINDOW

Megan is putting final touches on a new kit window for the summer season, details will be distributed shortly for placing orders for racing and training strip.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU: THE SHED

A special shout out and thank you to our Boathouse Captain and all round handy man Chris Jageurs for the implementation of the Shed Development plan. We have now what can only be described as a first class land training facility with an excellent fleet of ergs and weights equipment which has transformed the space and means we are getting great use out of Charlie GM’s land training sessions. The final finishing touches will be put in place in the coming couple of weeks but we’re pleased to be making full use of this excellent facility. Huge thanks to you Chris for all of your efforts.

OTHER QUICK REMINDERS:

· BOAT LOG: Please ensure all outings are logged in the boat log – good to see it in good use, please keep it updated with club boat usage.

· LIGHTS: In poor light, foggy conditions and dark mornings, please make sure you're using the correct lights and high-vis clothing.

· WINTERY (TIDEWAY) CONDITIONS: The weather and water is getting colder and wetter, and it's a particularly risky time of year for hypothermia: make sure you are well layered up and have spare clothing after outings. Stay dry, stay warm.

· OUTING CANCELLATIONS: On occasion the weather or river conditions may mean we can't go afloat or a land session is required: If the forecast is poor, come prepared for both but wait for the call from Coach or Captain before assuming the outing is not going ahead.

· LAND TRAINING: Great to see the shed in good use. Please make sure you're signed up to sessions and if you're signed up, show up (on time).

· BOAT CARE & MAINTENANCE: Please make sure boats are properly washed, left in good condition and any defects or damage appropriately reported. Our fleet is precious and must be looked after properly. More to follow on this one.

Dates for your diary:

• 23rd January - Boat Naming
• 29th January - Quintin Head
• 27th February - Hammersmith Head
• 26th March - HoRR
  
• 27th March - Vets Eights
• 6-10th April 2021 - Training Camp (Further details very soon)