Captain's update, 27th February

Morning all,
A few key notices now that our racing season for 2025 has begun! 

Hammersmith Head
Well done to all those in our VIII on Sunday. The conditions were challenging but we put in a really strong performance - and given it was the first race for half the crew, it gives us a really strong base to build upon. I hope those of you new to racing enjoyed it - if not the 2 hour wait beforehand!! 

HORR
Which leads us now on to the big one next month (22 March) with the Head of the River Race. This is a chance to race against c 400 of the best eights in the country and we have the potential to get the best Cygnet performance for many years. Most importantly it also symbolises the end of the winter season - so can I ask all who are available for the race to sign up today on Fitclub, as well as to commit (as much as possible) to the remaining 3 weeks of training - both on the water and in the gym. We have worked too hard this winter to fall at this stage! 

Training times
As part of our drive to make sure we maintain strong numbers, we are making a few changes to training times:

• We will do 2 water session on Saturday. The first - at 8am is going to be a long paddle (c.12–14K, eg to Pink Lodge and back); the second at 10am will see us do some racing pieces. 
• We are going to do just one session on Sunday 9–11. This follows feedback and relative success of trialling this over the past few weeks.
• Shed times will remain weights on Monday, and ergs on Wednesday. Numbers have dropped considerably for these session – I cannot stress enough how important they are!
• We are looking at putting in possible sessions before work on at least one day per week. Simon will provide comms on this. But certainly after HORR, and with the slightly longer days, we will also look to do evening water sessions. 
  

Finally, we are keen to up the social aspects of the club, so please do sign up on the form Charles sent around the Whatsapp group re dinners!
Any questions on any of the above, do just let me know!
Dom