Captain's Log
Latest news, requests, moans and cajoling from the skipper
Captain's update, August 2026
3rd August 2026
It was certainly a good afternoon after Cygnet won their first pot of the 2026 regatta season yesterday, the 8+ at Henley T&V - congratulations to all those involved! As we draw the regatta season to a close, i wanted to share a quick update with the squad across various matters.
Update to the captaincy
There has been a small update to the captaincy (significantly less ruthless than Burnham). I will be continuing as the club captain for the next year, with Tom C continuing as vice and Charles J swapping roles from the social sec to the deputy captain. With this, I would like to thank Matt G for his support throughout the year as deputy, it has been massively appreciated and certainly doesn't go unnoticed! As Charles is stepping into the captaincy, this means Mickey will be the new social sec.Return to training proper
As most of you know, August is a quiet period for rowing and the club, and so we will commence the 26/27 season proper from the 6th of September - enjoy your well-earned rest and feel ready for a good Head season come Autumn. That being said, I encourage everyone to stay active during August - the shed is still available to be used and we will still have water sessions – it will just be a more "show and row" approach to sessions.
On the 6th of September, at noon, we will have a whole squad meeting to kick off the year - please mark your diary and make every effort to attend!LTR
We will be running a learn to row programme from the 7th of September. When circulated, please can everyone ensure to sign up to help run the sessions! It's a great way to grow the club, and meet the new members. Additionally, if you happen to know of anyone who could be interested, please feel free to send them the details on our website.Push to grow the club
We are currently going through a bit of a push to grow the club, where we need some support from you. Please can you:- Share any good photos with, that show the club in a good light! Be it social or rowing
- Let me know if you have any advertising ideas
- Once we generate some posters, let me know if you are part of any forums that these can be posted in
- If you are part of a university alumni network/contacts at unis or colleges, please let me know.
Reminder to lock doors/other points
On a slight less interesting, but important - please remember:- Lock up after yourself if you are the last person
- Close all windows when you leave
- We have a hosepipe ban currently.
Dates for the diary:- End of Season social - tbc
- Season kick off meeting 6th September, noon
- LTR start 7th September
- Rhein Marathon 3rd October
Thank you if you have made it to the bottom of this email!
It is my absolute intention to send around an update, however big or small, once a month for the next year – please hold me accountable!
Thank youJordanCygnet Captaincy Update – April 2026
23rd April 2026
Evening all,
Now the Head season has come to a close, and we move into the regattas (the first being Hammersmith this weekend) I thought i would give a brief update from the captaincy.
Head season round up
Cygnet has fielded competitive 8+s in both Hammersmith Head and HORR, and a 4x in Vets Head. Hammersmith Head - 293rd and 11th in the division.HORR - 312th overall and 14th in the small club. Importantly though, as the crew passed the club they were overtaking the crew in front.Vets head - 6th in the OP D 4X-
Overall it was a fitting end to the head season, showing that the hard work in the shed has paid off, and set us up well for the summer (arguably more enjoyable) regatta season.Training update
Well done to all those who did a 2k last week, and for those that havent we will have another in a few weeks so no escape! Now the weather is improving, it has been great to see more of the squad down at the club ( "fair weather rowers" ) and look forward to this continuing throughout the summer season. Tuesday night sessions have returned, starting the 28th April. 7pm OTW, so please arrive before this (6.45). Note additionally, these sessions will only be ran with a minimum of a 4 man boat, so please sign up on fitclub.Scamp
Scamp will be held over the weekend of 5th – 7th June, to coincide with Walton and Weybridge regatta. More details on specifics to follow, but please mark the diary.Dates for the diary
- Boat naming ceremony 23rd May
- Scamp 5th-7th June
- Cygnet OGM 19th July
Please continue to update on fitclub your availability for the various regattas, outlined in the below email chain.Learn to Row
The club is looking to run a learn to row course during the summer/early autumn, but require volunteers to help run this! It is a great way to get to meet the new members, and encourage the next crop of Cygnets. Of course you will be supported by the wider Cygnet captaincy and coaching, but please let me know if you want to help out with running this process/want to know more information of what's involved.Club admin
I have been informed there are some outstanding subs and races fees - please can you settle up with our treasurer (or via our website), before naming and shaming begins...Thank you if you have managed to get to the bottom of this email, hugely appreciated!
As ever, please don't hesitate to speak/message me on any thoughts at allJordan
Cygnet Captaincy Update – February 2026
20th February 2026
Afternoon All
It's been a while since I've sent any emails around, so – thought it was about time – lots of dates so calendars at the ready please!
First of all its been great seeing the shed so full over the last few weeks – we have a great structured plan in place at the moment, so absolutely encourage everyone to continue to commit to the shed sessions, and I'm confident we will see the rewards in the summer when we spend more time on the water.Key dates for the diary
As promised, this is a provisional regatta plan for the summer - please hold in your diaries to avoid any unfortunate clashes!- HORR 28th March
- Hammersmith Regatta 25th April
- Chiswick Regatta 2nd May
- Borne at Chiswick Regatta 9th May
- Peterborough Regatta 30th May
- Walton and Weybridge Regatta 6th June
- Barnes and Mortlake Regatta 13th June
- Marlow Regatta 20th June
- Kingston Regatta 11th July
- St Neots Regatta 26th July
- Henley T&V 1st August
7th March
A group of 4 civil servants ("Team Ordinary") will be joining us for some rowing training, as part of their preparation of rowing the Atlantic! More details to follow, but please make every effort to make yourself available to row with them.Weekend of the 28th March
As per tradition our German friends, from Benrath, will be racing in Vets HORR and so please come down and show your support/grab a beer afterwards.Reminder
With the upcoming tideway head races, please help with volunteering for the boating - this generates vital funds for the joint clubs and so all volunteering is hugely appreciated! See link to sign up - Tideway Head Races - Boating & Catering Volunteers 2025/26 - Google Sheets
Thames Rowing Tour
A message from our President has asked if anyone is interested in the Thames Rowing Tour 13–15th July. This involves rowing from Windsor to Weybridge in boats similar to the Rheine Marathon. Currently there is a contingent of five Benrath members and various Cygnets. Please can you let Nick know if you are interested in this!.That's all from me. As ever drop me a message/email if you have any thoughts or ideas that you'd like to share.
Thanks
Jordan
