Winter Head felt like an inappropriate name for a race where at least two of the crew were racing in short all-in ones. It’s unseasonably warm and sunny, and we’re feeling strong on the row up to the start… I say row up, a 1 hour delay in marshalling makes it feel more like an excersise in backing it down and trying not to provoke house-boat owners. After an isolated altercation with a man suffering from pride-of-paintwork, we continue the stop/start traipse up to the lock.
The race gets off to a flying start as we power under the motorway bridge after Newnham. Settling into a good rhythm, we start to try and catch up. We make good ground on them around the corners, thanks to some killer lines from Ola in the cox’s seat. The power is there at times, and as we start to flag coming out of ditton, the reach gives us a new lease of life to make for the finish line at the P&E.
We’re still gaining on Newnham, and the boat behind us is no-where to be seen, when suddenly disaster strikes, and we catch a crab. Though it takes us a while to recover (motivated by the cheering from mystery ‘New Hall’ supporters!), we see Clare gaining on us and give it our all, fighting them off with all our might. The determination to push as hard as we can and make up lost time is frankly inspiring, and we sweep under the finish line, completely drained.
Time: 11:42
Position: Joint 213th (overall)
Division Position: 16th (out of 18)
So, all in all, a success for grit and determination, if not for time. Onwards and upwards, we prepare for Fairbairns with everything to prove.
The “New Hall” supporter on the meadow is Renee, our alum in Imperial who came up to race for the day. We beat her boat but she is ok about it 🙂