Cygnet Weely Update: Monday 3rd Nov 2014

Well, well, well...

...is how our three 4s Heads crews did at the weekend. Actually, more like well, very well, and very very well.

First up, our IM1 4- in the Saturday race. Despite only managing to coordinate four training outings (three of them in the dark), we had an enjoyable race and kept it together. 18th out of 31 in our category, gratifyingly beating both Putney Town's boats. And much more importantly (for Stu) we went faster than the Parrs Priory crew racing in a completely different category.

Next up, our Mas.B 4x, who were the 11th fastest crew out of nearly 200 boats on Sunday! A brilliant result, they also came 2nd in their category, behind a composite crew (ringers), and nearly a minute ahead of the next placed crew.

And finally, a fantastic result from our Mas.Nov 4+, who came 2nd in their category. Stav, Nick R, Jez, Cris, and Anna were a mere 7s away from claiming the pennant, and beat a Molesey crew in the process. Big thanks to Coach Sue and Cox Anna in particular for jumping in and getting the best out of the boat.

Meanwhile on dry land, it was good to hear support from the Boathouse, and to see Cygnets lending an invaluable hand with boating, marshalling, administrating, and of course frequenting the Barnes Bridge catering corps.

In other news - we're going into 8s now, so this is yet another reminder to update your availability. At least until the end of the year, i.e. the Plum Puds race. We definitely have enough active oarsmen for two 8s, and ideally we'll have some mixed ability boats going out for some power stroke 'battles' - but only if we know who's available.

This week

Tues evening - Squad Erg Night. This week it's 20min (5@16, 5@18, 5@20, 5@18) + 16min (4@18, 4@20, 4@22, 4@30).

Thurs evening - Circuits at the school. Hopefully Neil will be taking this one, as Greg's not available.

Thurs evening - post-training food in the bar - Katy B is cooking, let her know if you're sticking around.

Sat morning - 8am and 10am outings, crew lists to follow.

Sun morning - crew lists to follow. Coach Sue's not around on Sunday, so if any seniors could help with coxing, or even sharing their wisdom from the coaching launch, that would be wonderful. Let me/Sue know.

Further ahead

Scullers Head is on Saturday 29th Nov. It looks like we'll have five or six entries for the club, which is great. We may well have a social gathering in the bar afterwards to cheer their efforts. You should have seen Nick's call for volunteers for boating - do help out if you can.

In terms of dates for diaries - or at least dates to not arrange to go skiing - it's worth making a note of the following races. We're not sure that we'll make all of them, but we will definitely be looking to use some as milestones up to the HORR weekend at the end of March, where we should get at least two boats out over the two races

Sat 31st Jan - Quintin Head

Sat 14th Feb - Henley 4s & 8s Head

Sun 1st Mar - Hammersmith Head

(Sat 14th Mar - Womens Head of the River Race)

Sat 28th Mar (11:00) - Vets Head

Sun 29th Mar (12:00) - Head of the River Race

That's all for now.

D