Weekly Update

Evening,

We had two Cygnet pairs racing at Marlow Regatta at Dorney Lake on Saturday - our only 2k racing this season. It was some of the best conditions we've seen, skylarks singing above the fields, damselflies dancing on the stern as we paddled up the practice lake etc etc. Which was a welcome distraction for those parts of the day where we weren't being brutalised down the course. Because whilst the format has changed from previous years, unfortunately 2,000m hasn't got any shorter, and the propensity for very good oarsmen to rock up at Marlow hasn't changed.

The pairs put in some solid rows against big opposition, with Nick & I managing 3rd in the B Final of Sen 2-, only a few seconds ahead of Bart & Novice Gav, who were racing at least one status up. (Nick & I also doubled-up into the Elite 2- race, which proved to be a race & status too far).Still, the change of format was much better in our view, and we should definitely make an effort to fly the Cygnet colours there next season: the time trial in the morning required the self-discipline of a head-race, with the excitement of finding out the results afterwards. And then the finals being split into A, B, C etc. in the afternoon, made for some close and adrenalin-fueled racing.

This week

Tues - 7.00pm outings (Nick R coaching).

Boat unloading at TSS for the boats that raced at Marlow.

Wed evening - Greg E has offered to extend Jez's 1-to-1 session to a sculling pod for any Cygnets who wants to join. Let Greg/ Jez know.

Thurs - 7.00pm outings (Nick R coaching)

Followed by post-session-session in the bar. I think there's a name down to cook - no doubt more info to follow.

Fri - 4pm a Cygnet Pair will be first off down the Henley course in the Qualifying Races. (It's 2 to qualify from 4 boats, and we're being chased by a a pair from the Oxford boatrace 8, a pair that's flying in from Canada, and a pair that's flying in from the USA - I'm just managing your expectations here).

Sat and Sun - 8am outings - plus recent graduates of the Learn-to-row course later in the morning.

Further ahead

This weekend there's no regatta (following the cancellation of Richmond). If you're interested in Kingston Rgatta on Sat 12th June, please put your availability on the spreadsheet. Some of the BBLs may be going to that, so we can make a trailer of it.

The next regattas that we want to prioritise are St Neots on 26/27 July and Henley Town and Visitors on 2 August. Please put them in diaries, as they're two of the best of the season. St Neots for local painted-bottles-for-lane-buoys authenticity, and Henley T&V for all the setting and splendour of Henley Royal, but without the massive Oxbridge, Candian and American oarsmen.

So update training availability for July now please.

Scumbags - unfortunately in the space of a week or so three sets of scumbags (or one set of diversifying scumbags) have visited the environs of the clubhouse . A bag was stolen out of a car parked behind the boathouse - please do be careful and avoid leaving just about anything remotely valuable visible in cars - even bags with nothing in, or loose change is sufficient temptation for some to smash a window. A car was torched next to the Emanuel trailer rendering both the trailer and a new Flippi 4 unusable. And for good measure a truckload of rubble was fly-tipped between the trees. So another reminder that if you see anyone acting suspiciously round the boathouse, please do call the Chiswick police (their number is on the notice board), or the non-emergency 101 number.

Henley Royal Regatta - you'll have seen Marj's emails on this - there'll be lots of us at Old Blades on Henley Friday on 4 July - thanks as ever to the Slys for their hospitality.

Bungalow -The bungalow is unbooked between June 29th evening and Sunday July 13th midday. Anyone can stay free-of-charge providing they help with maintenance. Just advise Derek Bush (via the captaincy) what days you can manage. Derek will be there Mon - Fri both weeks (the middle weekend can be booked as normal if wished)