Captain's Log: Issue 20

Good Evening Cygnets, this is your Captain speaking,

I hope you’re keeping cool Cygnets amidst the sweltering heat of the last few days. I am pleased to say racing and training continues apace and those working hard through training are really seeing the dividends on the water, we’re hoping for a strong finish at the remaining regatta this season.

Our summer learn to row (this year a Get Fit & Row) is just around the corner, hot on the heels of Henley Friday. Please spread the word for both – all the details you need are below.

We send our congratulations to Barnes Bridge Ladies who took a fleet of boats to race at Henley Women’s Regatta on Friday, including qualification in the coxed four event – well done BBLRC for a strong showing and marking the Centenary Year on the Henley course.

Barnes & Mortlake Regatta Report
We had a good showing at our last local regatta of the season at Barnes and Mortlake on Saturday 11^th July. The return of the Ozyurt/Bailey 2x saw us take Vesta in the Semi Final despite some challenging conditions with a convincing victory of 3 lengths. Alas the youthful exuberance of Team Keane saw us outmatched by 1¾ Lengths in the final but we fought them to the line and were pleased with a semi final win and well contested final.

In the 4x straight final, sandwiched between two Fulham Crews, we raced well and raced hard with our best performance of the season clearing third place Easily and to miss out on victory by 1 ¼ Lengths to the winning crew.

The takeaway from both events and from the recent training is that the effort and commitment is clearly paying off, those attending regularly are making great strides of progress with some really competitive racing with Coach Beth taking us through some key changes and big steps forward – well done to those of you involved, keep up the hard work and the rewards will come.

Learn to Row Course 2022 – From 03rd July 2022
Spread the word: This summer’s learn to row kicks off from the 3rd July and we’re hoping to run a full Get Fit and Row Course, but we need your help to spread the message and get recruiting to get the most from the event. Details can be found here, the course will be a mix of land and water training. All offers of volunteers will be welcome – all enquiries to Deputy Captain Martin Drage who is organiser in chief. Spread the word if you know of keen rowers-to-be.

Forthcoming Races
We have two away races left in our regatta calendar for the season which will round off our summer campaign by the end of July – and plenty of time between now and then to get some solid race prep and training in to finish the summer strong. We have a mix of boats entered already across 4+, 4x 2x and 1x categories for those who have signed up. So if you’re thinking about it, now’s the time to commit – sign up on FitClub.

• 23–24th July St Neots
• 30th July Henley Town & Visitors

Boathouse Maintenance Day
A big thank you to all who gave up their time and effort last weekend to help out with maintenance around the boathouse and in the garden to make a real difference to the upkeep of the boathouse and facilities. Huge thanks to you all.

CSBE AGM: Thank you too to those who will be representing Cygnet on the CSBE Exec Committee this coming year after the elections at the Boathouse AGM and to the outgoing cast for your excellent contribution in keeping the boathouse standing, the clubs functioning and boating operations slick and smooth!

Social Matters

HENLEY FRIDAY – 1st July

Members of both Cygnet and BBLRC are invited into the most exclusive Henley enclosure, namely the garden at Old Blades during Henley Royal Regatta Friday, which this year falls on 1st July. This invitation has been very kindly made by our hostess, Mrs Pat Sly, who is one of Cygnet's Life Honorary Members. Club members are welcome from around 12 noon until 6pm (end of racing).Taxis will be arranged from Barnes/Mortlake, for those local and interested.

CENTENARY BALL 24^th September – Tickets on Sale

Tickets are now on sale for the hottest date of the year for the Centenary Ball on 24th September – a black tie affair promising to be a great occasion. We are looking forward to rowers and friends past and present joining us at the Richmond Hill Hotel. More info and tickets on sale here

Dates for your diary:

• Friday 1st July: Henley Friday
  
• Sunday 31st July: OGM (Captaincy Elections) & end of season party
• 9th – 11th September: Sculling Camp
• 24th September: Centenary Ball
• 18th September: Scullers Head
• 1st October: Rhine Marathon
• 2nd October: Pairs Head