Cygnet Weekly News 7th December

The weekend's rowing was rather impacted by Desmond which (who?) caused the cancellation of Scullers Head. It was certainly the right decision given the strength of the wind but it's disappointing for those who trained and psyched themselves up for it. Better conditions on Sunday allowed the 8+ to get out and by all accounts it was a good outing.

With that in mind, Plum Puddings festive rowing event should take place on the weekend of 19/20th December, probably on the 20th. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it is a processional rowing event usually from the Pink House in Isleworth back to Chiswick Bridge (~4.5k) that resembles a Head race except it's not a race as such. It involves local clubs and about 15 or so crews with a rough handicap of setting off slowest crews first with the winner being the first back to Quintin flagpole. Mulled wine and mince pies back at the club afterwards. Depending on who is up for it, I'd like us to to put out and crew made up half and half between newer youthful rowers and more experienced guys. It's a lot of fun and gives you a taste of what racing might be like (without actually being a race). So if you are keen to be in it then please put "PP" for the 19th /20th on the spreadsheet. You know you want to. 

This week: 

Tuesday 7:15 Circuit with Maxi at Cavendish School - final chance to tone up before the Xmas party and trying to squeeze into your dinner suit. 

Thursday 7:00pm 'Fraid it's got to be done.... 5k Test rate capped 26 spm. Let's aim to start together at 7:30 following a 10 min warm up. Weekend: 

Weather prospects look better so we may even get a relatively calm weekend and good water, so get your availability up to date so I can get as many Cygnets as possible on the water. Plan is for 8am outing on Saturday and 10 am Sunday (chance to recover from BBL Xmas Party and Cygnet Waddle) 

Other Important Stuff: Go take a look at the Cygnet RC Historic Archive which is now published on the club website. Immerse yourself in club history and nostalgia. And see what some senior members looked like in their prime. And for those looking for Last minute Christmas gift ideas, what every well-heeled Cygnet should be unwrapping on Christmas morning etc, essential reading blah, blah. is the Club History. Beautifully presented in Cygnet Stripes it will surely grace any bookshelf and coffee table and be the talking point amongst all your Christmas drinks guests. A mere £15 for a quality gift. Contact Paul Rawkins (prawkins@googlemail.com) to secure your festive copy whilst stocks of these collectable items last! 

Much Further Ahead January to March is 8+ head racing season culminating in the Head of the River Race on the 19th March. The aim is to get at least 2/3 crews racing over that weekend. This will be the focus of the training in the new year so I'll be chasing you to know who is up for it so we can plan the campaign. Based on what I've seen we've got a great bunch from the GFAR who are getting the water time and doing the land training to be ready to put in a good performance come March. I think that's it for now, update your availability and I'll get the weekend plan out later, Have good weekk Jez PS The Waddle on Saturday is pretty much mandatory even it you are not attending the BBL Party. Cris will plan the route and timings, lookout for his update.