Australian Masters - 2nd to 5th June - Lake Kawana, QLD
Two keen rowers represented us at the 2016 Australian Masters - Judy and Lillian. Judy joined the orphan list and scored 8 rows in crews from Bunbury, Champion Lakes, Iluka and Centenary clubs. Lil went for one race, the Women's H 8, a composite crew of slick Sydney rowers. All in all it is noted that the weather was ... 'dreadful'.
As a lone Sydney Women's representative on most days, Judy, pined for the odd familiar face. Wha-da-ya-know ...on Thursday up popped Joe Zammit. When the rain and wind made conditions increasingly difficult on Friday... up popped Lil and Mike to offer warm smiles. Saturday morning was cancelled due to severe weather conditions ...no smiles. Although wet and windy, by the afternoon things were raceable. A glimpse of sunlight was short lived on Sunday morning. As the wind whipped into gale force the course became ugly and the rest of the regatta was cancelled. Amid all the poor weather both Lil and Judy had some good racing. Lil, the lover of a tricky row, had a good tussle with a Melbourne H crew. Judy snapped some good times and scored a number of new racing buddies. She has also become an expert in giving out bow numbers and using a stop watch on the finish line. Fully over the weather, clubs were clearly ready to head home. Judy remarked, 'You've never seen a boat park strip down and load up so fast!' All good fun.
Here endeth the season!!
As a lone Sydney Women's representative on most days, Judy, pined for the odd familiar face. Wha-da-ya-know ...on Thursday up popped Joe Zammit. When the rain and wind made conditions increasingly difficult on Friday... up popped Lil and Mike to offer warm smiles. Saturday morning was cancelled due to severe weather conditions ...no smiles. Although wet and windy, by the afternoon things were raceable. A glimpse of sunlight was short lived on Sunday morning. As the wind whipped into gale force the course became ugly and the rest of the regatta was cancelled. Amid all the poor weather both Lil and Judy had some good racing. Lil, the lover of a tricky row, had a good tussle with a Melbourne H crew. Judy snapped some good times and scored a number of new racing buddies. She has also become an expert in giving out bow numbers and using a stop watch on the finish line. Fully over the weather, clubs were clearly ready to head home. Judy remarked, 'You've never seen a boat park strip down and load up so fast!' All good fun.
Here endeth the season!!
NSW State Masters Championships - 14th & 15th May
Saturday
The Saturday of the State Championships served up excellent conditions. Richard’s ‘spit test’ at the start suggested a slight flow against racing direction which wasn’t evident on Sunday. Make of that what you will – both the effect on times and Richard’s questionable habits.
Out on the phlegm-heavy course, Rowena had snaffled two bits of tinware before many were out of bed. She, Sue, Janine and Marcela placed third in the WE4- and proceeded to the podium. Rowena and Janine then reproduced the effort in the WE2- and took another medal. Clearly feeling left out, Doug successfully urged Richard down the course so he too could have a medal, very close to second but bronze nonetheless. Unperturbed by this, Rowena put the issue beyond doubt in the Stewart household by craftily taking a third bronze with Linda from St George in the WD2x. The 3-1 result consigning Doug to a month of heavy housework and cups of tea on demand, if that wasn’t already the case. (In a weird way, Sunday’s MxE2x was then anticlimactic). Well done Rowena, Janine, Sue, Marcela, Doug and Richard on a terrific first day.
Elsewhere, two MF4x boats battled the heats. One crew (Doug, Richard, Steve and Charles LJ) through to the final where three very good boats relegated our boys to 4th. Andrew ignored his own race plan and made the MD1x final, finishing 6th. Doug and Richard both made the ME1x final (one more luxuriously than the other). Doug finished 4th, Richard 6th. Carolyn and Marcela progressed to the WD2x final and beat the BRO home. The mixed crews had mixed results (get it !? . . ugh). Marcela and Andrew combined for a 3rd but their efforts were blingless as Rowing NSW does not reward place getters in the mixed events. Mike and Lillian notched a composed 4th; a position also filled by both mixed quads. There were many other races (29 SWMLCRC boats in total) and too many to specify. Those involved have the true story of how the races unfolded ready to share, prompted or not. Make sure you get all versions.
And then, as it happens pretty regularly week after week, when Saturday was over, Sunday followed and it went like this . . . . .
The day was perfect. Still water, plenty of boat space around our trailer (well done Mike!) and a new Chinese herbal remedy stall specialising in rowers ailments to engage…we’re not sure who. The timing hiccups of the day before (so unlike the normally reliable SIRC wiring) seemed to be nearly sorted….there were some weird anomalies on the board which were mostly readjusted during the day.
As for our boats….Doug and Rowena provided the highlight for the club by winning their Mixed E2x race. Mixed emotions washed over the winners as they ascended the dizzying heights of the first place podium and noticed not a ribbon and medals in the presenter’s hands, but two non – bone china, off-white coffee mugs direct from the surplus supply storage cupboard of Rowing NSW. Anyone for coffee?
Steve and Richard both made the final of the F1x after thrilling heats. Janine and Rowena performed similar feats at the end of the day to both reach the E1x final. Impressively, this was the third singles final of the State titles where we qualified two representatives.
Andrew’s on-going quest to solve a partner issue for the 2017 struck a hurdle in the mixed D2x. Having recorded 4:01.53 with his wife, Marcela, the day before, his next applicant for the role, Carolyn, was stymied when the scoreboard displayed NTT.
Denis discovered privilege did not come with Presidency when he joined the St George 4- late in the day. Having stood in at the last minute, Denis’s good Samaritan act was greeted by the cheery starter with these encouraging words, “Your substitution is too late. You can race but you will not be judged. Thanks for coming!”
It was an extremely busy weekend with the club boats working overtime and Mike’s attention to detail in boat allotment ensuring a smooth passage for all. It was also our most successful state titles for some years with one win and four thirds. Overall we entered 47 events. Eleven of those crews qualified for finals and 31 were drawn directly into finals. All rowers displayed the benefits of their hard work throughout the season by racing with rhythm, finesse and a smile in the finale of our competition regattas.
As Ned Stark may have stated, “Winter is coming”, stay warm! (AP,RS & DS)
The Saturday of the State Championships served up excellent conditions. Richard’s ‘spit test’ at the start suggested a slight flow against racing direction which wasn’t evident on Sunday. Make of that what you will – both the effect on times and Richard’s questionable habits.
Out on the phlegm-heavy course, Rowena had snaffled two bits of tinware before many were out of bed. She, Sue, Janine and Marcela placed third in the WE4- and proceeded to the podium. Rowena and Janine then reproduced the effort in the WE2- and took another medal. Clearly feeling left out, Doug successfully urged Richard down the course so he too could have a medal, very close to second but bronze nonetheless. Unperturbed by this, Rowena put the issue beyond doubt in the Stewart household by craftily taking a third bronze with Linda from St George in the WD2x. The 3-1 result consigning Doug to a month of heavy housework and cups of tea on demand, if that wasn’t already the case. (In a weird way, Sunday’s MxE2x was then anticlimactic). Well done Rowena, Janine, Sue, Marcela, Doug and Richard on a terrific first day.
Elsewhere, two MF4x boats battled the heats. One crew (Doug, Richard, Steve and Charles LJ) through to the final where three very good boats relegated our boys to 4th. Andrew ignored his own race plan and made the MD1x final, finishing 6th. Doug and Richard both made the ME1x final (one more luxuriously than the other). Doug finished 4th, Richard 6th. Carolyn and Marcela progressed to the WD2x final and beat the BRO home. The mixed crews had mixed results (get it !? . . ugh). Marcela and Andrew combined for a 3rd but their efforts were blingless as Rowing NSW does not reward place getters in the mixed events. Mike and Lillian notched a composed 4th; a position also filled by both mixed quads. There were many other races (29 SWMLCRC boats in total) and too many to specify. Those involved have the true story of how the races unfolded ready to share, prompted or not. Make sure you get all versions.
And then, as it happens pretty regularly week after week, when Saturday was over, Sunday followed and it went like this . . . . .
The day was perfect. Still water, plenty of boat space around our trailer (well done Mike!) and a new Chinese herbal remedy stall specialising in rowers ailments to engage…we’re not sure who. The timing hiccups of the day before (so unlike the normally reliable SIRC wiring) seemed to be nearly sorted….there were some weird anomalies on the board which were mostly readjusted during the day.
As for our boats….Doug and Rowena provided the highlight for the club by winning their Mixed E2x race. Mixed emotions washed over the winners as they ascended the dizzying heights of the first place podium and noticed not a ribbon and medals in the presenter’s hands, but two non – bone china, off-white coffee mugs direct from the surplus supply storage cupboard of Rowing NSW. Anyone for coffee?
Steve and Richard both made the final of the F1x after thrilling heats. Janine and Rowena performed similar feats at the end of the day to both reach the E1x final. Impressively, this was the third singles final of the State titles where we qualified two representatives.
Andrew’s on-going quest to solve a partner issue for the 2017 struck a hurdle in the mixed D2x. Having recorded 4:01.53 with his wife, Marcela, the day before, his next applicant for the role, Carolyn, was stymied when the scoreboard displayed NTT.
Denis discovered privilege did not come with Presidency when he joined the St George 4- late in the day. Having stood in at the last minute, Denis’s good Samaritan act was greeted by the cheery starter with these encouraging words, “Your substitution is too late. You can race but you will not be judged. Thanks for coming!”
It was an extremely busy weekend with the club boats working overtime and Mike’s attention to detail in boat allotment ensuring a smooth passage for all. It was also our most successful state titles for some years with one win and four thirds. Overall we entered 47 events. Eleven of those crews qualified for finals and 31 were drawn directly into finals. All rowers displayed the benefits of their hard work throughout the season by racing with rhythm, finesse and a smile in the finale of our competition regattas.
As Ned Stark may have stated, “Winter is coming”, stay warm! (AP,RS & DS)
Drummoyne Masters - 30th April
The Weather Gods provided perfect conditions on Iron Cove for the final regatta before the State Championships. Then the Sporting Gods also obliged by giving the club a fabulous day of racing. Collectively, the comp members brought home 5 first places, 6 seconds and 11 thirds - emphatically stamping this as the most successful regatta in the recent history of the club. Every rower contributed to the points gathering, which is an excellent reward for the effort put in by all this season. The men - Steve, Richard, Andrew and Doug - are to be congratulated on their medal-winning performances. Doug won all four events he entered. He teamed up with Andrew, Richard and Steve in the E4x; and Charles, Steve and Richard in the F4x; Andrew in the D2x and Richard in the F2x. Andrew in his trusty Grey Ghost backed up his singles success of the last regatta by winning the D1x as one of his three medals; a strike rate equalled by Richard. Steve won two races. The schedule was busy and the boats had little rest. Well done all.
In closing, our competitors have appreciated the hospitality of the Leichhardt Rowing Club whenever we have raced on Iron Cove. Our small gift of thanks got the nod of approval by their members and the next time you're making use of their facilities you can rest assured that the three-ply you're using is a quality product! Good luck for State, one and all! |
Iron Cove Masters - 16th April
The first of the two Masters regattas, leading into the State Champs, was well represented with 11 women and 10 men from our club participating in 21 races. Perfect conditions prevailed for most of the day. A short course (about 900m) meant we recorded some very quick times. A variety of boats won medals - C1x Andrew; E4x Andrew, Doug, Richard, and Steve; D2x Rowena and Linda (St George); and MixedE2x Rowena and Doug. We also notched five second placings and six thirds.
At times, other club crews provided thrilling entertainment as they steered a course towards the bank below us with no help from the BROs. Confused by our calls some crews mistook our warning cries as encouragement. No-one was shipwrecked but they did provide a bit of excitement. Overall we gained 25 points taking us to 98.25 (thank you Owen Nix from Rowing NSW for quick up-dating). The likelihood of reaching last year's 155 Masters points seems remote unless we have a big tally at the Drummoyne Masters. Last year some regattas attracted double and triple points but this season it was no longer the case for Masters rowers. (Thanks Mike, Lil and Sue for snaps.) |
Edward Trickett Regatta - 2nd & 3rd April
It has been a number of years since our club has had more than a lone entrant in the grade championship event - The Edward Trickett Regatta. This time around, six of our rowers entered the titles and, although no medals were won, every rower advanced past the heat stage in at least one event. Considering the quality and depth of competition, this was a highly commendable effort. Andrew and Doug teamed up on Sunday in their experienced double combo and qualified for the semi and then the final, where they found some of the young guns just too young and too gunnish. The men's quad - Andrew, Doug, Steve and Richard - advanced to the final where they produced a slick 3:28.23 into a headwind to finish 6th. Clean racing by all saw healthy singles times in the men's (Richard 4:05.86, Steve 4:21.80, Andrew 3:58.25 and Doug 4:03.75) and women's events (Carolyn 4:27.88 and Rowena 4:35.52 - a PB in the new boat albeit by 0.14s!!!).
Breaking News - D-Grade Point Score
WHAT OUR COACH STEVE SHERRY SAID:
"It's very rewarding as a coach that we're doing so well. Getting 100 points was a goal I was looking at a few weeks ago and it's great to achieve it." |
After two months of waiting, Rowing NSW has updated its point score sheet and for the first time ever the club has passed 100 points in the D-Grade competition. It is also the first time the club has broken the ton for combined Grade scores. As of 15th March 2016 - Total Grade points 110 (102 D-Grade and 8 C-Grade).
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Drummoyne Grade - 13th March
After careful perusal of WADA's banned substance list, the "family doctor" of SWRC distributed our yet-to-be-listed performance enhancers of various potencies - jelly snakes. Red for speed went early when the water was calm but with worsening conditions the endurance-enhancing yellow were subtly distributed out of sight of officials and other clubs. Topped off with caffeine chasers, our rowers were pharmaceutically at their peak and not a whiff of MLCdronate in their pee.
The men kicked off in D singles in top form. Doug, Terry and Richard, keen not to risk bumping up their scores into C grade before Trickett, craftily finished second in their races. Richard, so desperate to give up his winning margin, manoeuvred into a buoy to drop speed so as not to risk accusation of tanking on the line. Steve oblivious to the risk, powered home for a winning medal whilst Charlie and Mike cruised over the line in 4th and 5th.
Next off an increasingly rocky start line were the women in their singles. We breed 'em tough at SWRC - despite the poor conditions, course deviation and interference from competitors, Rowena, Carolyn and Petra picked bling with Janine gaining 2nd and Marcela a 3rd.
Carolyn increased her and Marcela's degree of difficulty in the double by failing to remember Mr H's science teaching that the shortest distance between two lines (start and finish) is a straight line. Miss P's new hull was nearly back in the repair shop when she veered scrapingly close to a moored ferry before she sashayed in a curvilinear route towards the bridge. Despite this they vied closely for third with a lament of "maybe next time..." followed in by Petra and Rosemary in a nifty 4th.
After another round of "confectionary" pickmeups the last races battled the white-capped licked course. The men's souped up doubles hit the water - Andrew and Doug powered through a tightly packed start, headed for clear water in a take no prisoners run home for first. Terry and Charlie also adeptly avoided any clashes and rocked it in for 4th.
Finally the WDx4 - the pressure was on to get Marcela some gold for her birthday. With Marcela stroking smoothly and Rowena making them work hard to the end, they beat home 3 fit young crews and clenched a final club victory for the day!
A great day - good racing, excellent camaraderie, a clunking bling of multiple medals and a round of ice blocks to finish (thanks again Rosemary!). And the beers and bubbles tasted delicious back at the shed! (CR)
The men kicked off in D singles in top form. Doug, Terry and Richard, keen not to risk bumping up their scores into C grade before Trickett, craftily finished second in their races. Richard, so desperate to give up his winning margin, manoeuvred into a buoy to drop speed so as not to risk accusation of tanking on the line. Steve oblivious to the risk, powered home for a winning medal whilst Charlie and Mike cruised over the line in 4th and 5th.
Next off an increasingly rocky start line were the women in their singles. We breed 'em tough at SWRC - despite the poor conditions, course deviation and interference from competitors, Rowena, Carolyn and Petra picked bling with Janine gaining 2nd and Marcela a 3rd.
Carolyn increased her and Marcela's degree of difficulty in the double by failing to remember Mr H's science teaching that the shortest distance between two lines (start and finish) is a straight line. Miss P's new hull was nearly back in the repair shop when she veered scrapingly close to a moored ferry before she sashayed in a curvilinear route towards the bridge. Despite this they vied closely for third with a lament of "maybe next time..." followed in by Petra and Rosemary in a nifty 4th.
After another round of "confectionary" pickmeups the last races battled the white-capped licked course. The men's souped up doubles hit the water - Andrew and Doug powered through a tightly packed start, headed for clear water in a take no prisoners run home for first. Terry and Charlie also adeptly avoided any clashes and rocked it in for 4th.
Finally the WDx4 - the pressure was on to get Marcela some gold for her birthday. With Marcela stroking smoothly and Rowena making them work hard to the end, they beat home 3 fit young crews and clenched a final club victory for the day!
A great day - good racing, excellent camaraderie, a clunking bling of multiple medals and a round of ice blocks to finish (thanks again Rosemary!). And the beers and bubbles tasted delicious back at the shed! (CR)
Leichhardt Grade Regatta - 28th February
On a beautiful day at Iron Cove, over the Leichhardt course, the regatta was characterised by some very slick times – PBs everywhere. Attendees will naturally deny all knowledge of a barely 800m course and brisk following conditions, so don’t even bother asking. In 16 outings, the Club recorded 3 wins, 4 seconds, 3 thirds and 6 fourths and some personal milestones.
To the medallists : The MD4x of Steve, Richard, Doug and Andrew powered through the afternoon slop to win comfortably, affording Richard his first ever non-Novice win. He did put the pressure on us beforehand, so we others fortunately escaped unharmed afterward. The WD1x saw Carolyn return to 1x after 18 months, 3 operations, some changes of mind and a scratching or two. Good preparation for a comfortable win. Another WD1x saw the day’s stand-out performance of controlled, powerful rowing coming from the flashing blades of Marcela – she took her first ever 1x win and any congratulations being offered. In other news : Rowena realised the handicap of a 17kg boat against those 14kg boats those medal people had. Her margin was about 20cm behind some kiddie. Richard and Steve’s MD2x had a similar margin behind a win. Doug and Andrew should’ve just bloody tried harder, losing narrowly in each M1x. The MD4+ (including Neil’s only row of the day and Terry’s second in 4.5 hrs) had to contend with some interesting steering patterns of Leichhardt boats. Janine and Rowena had a fine WC2- row, beaten only by some pretty good boats. And lastly, in late breaking news, a lady member of the Club has been hauled up before the full Board of RNSW to answer a charge of ‘Complete and Utter Crankiness Toward a Somewhat Humourless, Less-Than-Amiable BRO Who Sorta Deserved It’. That’s set down for later in the year while the defence is being prepared. Watch this space for developments ! (AP) |
Gold Cup - Sat 27th February
It was over all so quickly despite the conditions.
A somewhat tangled web of rowing boats and moored boats in the marshalling area and start line proved a challenge for Janine who kept her cool. The Marshall’s instruction of go between the brown boat and the blue boat wasn’t the usual kind of way to line up. The conditions dictated a steady hand as the tide was running quite hard and we were flanked by Mosman on the stroke side and the Sydney University Composite coxed by Sammy on the bow side.
A very quick start took us all a bit by surprise but a good warm-up beforehand meant we got into the swing very quickly. The water was rather rough for the run up to the famous post with the bow four copping a soaking but the final run home was more settled.
At the end of it we managed 6mins and 75/100th’s, let’s call it 6 minutes flat which is our best time ever! Of course conditions vary every year so it’s not fair to compare them but we were only a second slower than the C Grade North Shore 8 which rowed the previous heat. We kept the stroke rate up at 30/31 only dropping for a few strokes a couple of times to 29 which was terrific with the rocky conditions.
We are very grateful to Richard and Terry who made themselves available to tow the eight over to north shore in the tinnie. To Janine who agreed to cox us, Lillian for the ropes, Enza for the cox box, Enza and Judith for the roping work, Rosemary and Marcela for being Ballasteers, Judy for taking the oars and Judy and Suzie for being the taxis. It was a challenge up there in the bow of the boat with the lining up and Judith and Lillian did a great job, thank you.
A great team effort all round. (SC)
A somewhat tangled web of rowing boats and moored boats in the marshalling area and start line proved a challenge for Janine who kept her cool. The Marshall’s instruction of go between the brown boat and the blue boat wasn’t the usual kind of way to line up. The conditions dictated a steady hand as the tide was running quite hard and we were flanked by Mosman on the stroke side and the Sydney University Composite coxed by Sammy on the bow side.
A very quick start took us all a bit by surprise but a good warm-up beforehand meant we got into the swing very quickly. The water was rather rough for the run up to the famous post with the bow four copping a soaking but the final run home was more settled.
At the end of it we managed 6mins and 75/100th’s, let’s call it 6 minutes flat which is our best time ever! Of course conditions vary every year so it’s not fair to compare them but we were only a second slower than the C Grade North Shore 8 which rowed the previous heat. We kept the stroke rate up at 30/31 only dropping for a few strokes a couple of times to 29 which was terrific with the rocky conditions.
We are very grateful to Richard and Terry who made themselves available to tow the eight over to north shore in the tinnie. To Janine who agreed to cox us, Lillian for the ropes, Enza for the cox box, Enza and Judith for the roping work, Rosemary and Marcela for being Ballasteers, Judy for taking the oars and Judy and Suzie for being the taxis. It was a challenge up there in the bow of the boat with the lining up and Judith and Lillian did a great job, thank you.
A great team effort all round. (SC)
Sydney Regatta - Big Boats - 20th February
I believe the competition was pretty hot. In every race we came last except for the Men's Masters quad where they came in fourth with Charles (L-J) joining the crew as stroke. SIRC is always tough!
Balmain Grade Regatta - 7th February
After the sorry mess of the Small Boats unpacking, the Balmain Grade Regatta was a terrific day both competitively and socially. A positive vibe was felt from the start. With reduced opportunities to race due to lack of boats, what we did race in we made the best of. The club collected 20 premiership points with every rower contributing in some way to these points. Janine won her race in sparkling form and the men's D four (Terry, Andrew, Mike and Doug) was in a ding-dong battle all the way down the course but snuck in front when it really mattered and wore bling all the way home. Second places went to Richard in his single, Petra slipping in behind Janine and the men's quad (Andrew, Doug, Steve and Richard) were beaten by the young pup's from St George. Thirds went to: single rowers Steve and Rowena; doubles partnerships of Richard and Steve and Helen and Judy; the grunt of the women's quad (Janine, Suzie, Judith and Rowena); and the women's 8 (Enza, Petra, Lil, Judy, Judith, Jane, Suzie and Rosemary with Rowena as "L" plate cox) who rowed beautifully, lifting at the last to be denied second in a thrilling finish to their race. Under the shade of the giant fig, with boats safely stored, we were treated to the refreshing flavours of Moet and beers by the Borellas, Andrew and Janine. What a thumbs-up day!
NSW Rowing, Small Boats - 30 January
The shine of the day was wiped away in the sudden gale force wind that exploded on us during boat unloading. The Armageddon scene of Miss Parramatta and Miss Saigon cracked, shattered and broken on top of one another was heartbreaking. As we worked quickly to untie and unload the boats in the rain, we were totally oblivious to the vicious winds and torrential, horizontal driving rain that was to lash across us and lift untied boats up and over the trailer. The Bureau of Meteorology website told a brutal tale. At 4:49pm the Sydney Olympic Park weather station was recording a 20km SSE wind. (At our shed we were totally protected from this.) Just one minute later, at 4:50pm, the same weather station was recording gusts of 72km and from the WNW - close to a 180-degree wind shift. In the next 10 minutes there was 22mm of rain. We was mugged; real bad.
Before the late afternoon destruction, the Small Boats regatta had perfect morning conditions. Doug rowed a solid controlled race to come from third at the halfway to win his single. Doug also teamed with Richard for the first time and, after waiting on the start line for 88 seconds, they rowed through their field in the Masters double to beat all but the 85-89 year-old front markers. Their adjusted time was a cracking 4min 43sec. Terry and Mike also had a big day of waiting at the start for the old-timers before putting in good efforts. They had plenty of time to take in the views in the single with their 87-second handicap and then 81-seconds in their double. Rowena also posted a PB in her single.
SIRC always attracts quality rowers and Small Boats is no different. Racing was hard but fun. Trailer driver Andrew did win the 'Patience of Job' award for spending all day at SIRC for only one morning race!
Before the late afternoon destruction, the Small Boats regatta had perfect morning conditions. Doug rowed a solid controlled race to come from third at the halfway to win his single. Doug also teamed with Richard for the first time and, after waiting on the start line for 88 seconds, they rowed through their field in the Masters double to beat all but the 85-89 year-old front markers. Their adjusted time was a cracking 4min 43sec. Terry and Mike also had a big day of waiting at the start for the old-timers before putting in good efforts. They had plenty of time to take in the views in the single with their 87-second handicap and then 81-seconds in their double. Rowena also posted a PB in her single.
SIRC always attracts quality rowers and Small Boats is no different. Racing was hard but fun. Trailer driver Andrew did win the 'Patience of Job' award for spending all day at SIRC for only one morning race!
Taree - 15th - 17th January
After another memorable sojourn in Taree, one can only mourn the fact that Leonard Cohen never graced this regatta and thus - instead of penning that “Suzanne” gibber-jabber - he could have immortalized the haunting ballad “Neil” (and his cocktail bar) that would have run much as follows:
Neil calls you down to his room by the Manning
And he feeds you gin and cointreau
That come all the way from Kogarah
And just when you mean to tell him
That you’ve heard enough of back-splash
Then he gets you on his wavelength
And he lets the river answer
That oars always leave a vortex
And you want to paddle with him
And you want to paddle blind
And you know that you can trust him
For into his potent potion he squeezed a lime
Meanwhile, back on the water 229 races passed in a twinkling. Just as Friday’s rain and wind squalls gradually eased to a sunny Sunday, our fortunes shone brightest on the final afternoon when Janine and Rowena collected the club’s only medal by winning the masters’ double scull. The women’s eight (Rosemary, Lillian, Suzie, Janine, Rowena, Sue, Petra and Enza) grabbed second in the D-grade event after being spurred on by Zane, the remarkably voluble 12-year-old cox from Oxenford. And against tough opposition, on a river intermittently chopped by wind and tide, we could brag of seven third placings. These included: Mike in his single; Terry and Charlie in their double; and Doug, Steve and Terry combining with Glebe’s Mark Tietjen in the master’s quad.
On dry land, the tent stayed up and the food stayed down (unlike last year for some). Who could ask for more? Well, all of us actually; so we adjourned to Neil’s for a cocktail. Next year there could be music and you know what should be playing! DS
Neil calls you down to his room by the Manning
And he feeds you gin and cointreau
That come all the way from Kogarah
And just when you mean to tell him
That you’ve heard enough of back-splash
Then he gets you on his wavelength
And he lets the river answer
That oars always leave a vortex
And you want to paddle with him
And you want to paddle blind
And you know that you can trust him
For into his potent potion he squeezed a lime
Meanwhile, back on the water 229 races passed in a twinkling. Just as Friday’s rain and wind squalls gradually eased to a sunny Sunday, our fortunes shone brightest on the final afternoon when Janine and Rowena collected the club’s only medal by winning the masters’ double scull. The women’s eight (Rosemary, Lillian, Suzie, Janine, Rowena, Sue, Petra and Enza) grabbed second in the D-grade event after being spurred on by Zane, the remarkably voluble 12-year-old cox from Oxenford. And against tough opposition, on a river intermittently chopped by wind and tide, we could brag of seven third placings. These included: Mike in his single; Terry and Charlie in their double; and Doug, Steve and Terry combining with Glebe’s Mark Tietjen in the master’s quad.
On dry land, the tent stayed up and the food stayed down (unlike last year for some). Who could ask for more? Well, all of us actually; so we adjourned to Neil’s for a cocktail. Next year there could be music and you know what should be playing! DS
Sprints - 6th December
And saving the best till last; Andrew, in his absolute, last race as a C grade rower nailed it with a blistering 1:49.03 over 500m to WIN gold, gold, gold! Fabulous result Andrew! You little beauty!! Those D graders will be shakin' in their boots!
Reindeer Regatta - 5th December
The usual Christmas tinsel, reindeer antlers, sweltering heat and stiff competition greeted our crews at SIRC for the Reindeer Regatta. The Penrith Lakes waterweed killing program was still in full swing forcing crews to carry their boats up and over the hill to launch in the transit lane of the racing area. An added weights session! Following on from a very exciting doubles division where Richard and Steve nabbed second in a full field, Richard then rowed a steady, powerful PB of 4.02.00 to take second in Wide Load in his singles race. With every row, Richard’s rapid improvement has been watched and noted and celebrated by club members. Brilliant, Richard! The women’s D quad, Marcela, Kim (Syd), Jane and Rowena, also took out second in their division. Carolyn and Marcela set a PB in their double to place third and Andrew battled a tough field for his third in his last 1000m race as a C grade rower. The Women’s 8, while not setting a PB, looked very strong and rhythmical in their race and the Men’s 8 launched into the SIRC waters after a long absence. As the sunset spread a dark pink across the skyline, members cheered with wine and beer to end the big day and farewell racing for 2015.
Head of the Yarra - 28th November
Cooler conditions for Melbourne were welcomed by us all. The crews assembled the boats at Hawthorn and the women set off on the course first with our new cox Neil who was navigating his first HOTY. After the big bend we turned around and rowed the bend at pressure so Neil could try his hand at the curve. Safely navigated we made our way on to the start so we could park the boat where Mike met us and spirited Neil back up to Hawthorn to bring the men down the river.
Boats were safely stowed for the night and we made our way home via various routes to eventually meet for dinner at Steve's favourite Greek restaurant, Tsindos in Londsdale St. With one eye on our obligations the following day, we were unable to finish our magnificent banquet.
Race day arrived with great conditions for rowing. The women had an early berth bearing the race day number 37. The men were number 139 departing about 90 minutes later. A total of 231 boats were entered for the regatta. Our coxswains, Neil for the women and Bryony for the men, were fantastic.
We all navigated the river without any mishaps. The women’s time was almost exactly identical to 2014 with the handicaps applied, 1 second faster and we placed 11 out of 15 (in 2014 we placed 11 out of 13). The men have set a club record which may be challenged next year. They have set an adjusted time record of 35.10.11 to beat next year.
Boats were safely stowed for the night and we made our way home via various routes to eventually meet for dinner at Steve's favourite Greek restaurant, Tsindos in Londsdale St. With one eye on our obligations the following day, we were unable to finish our magnificent banquet.
Race day arrived with great conditions for rowing. The women had an early berth bearing the race day number 37. The men were number 139 departing about 90 minutes later. A total of 231 boats were entered for the regatta. Our coxswains, Neil for the women and Bryony for the men, were fantastic.
We all navigated the river without any mishaps. The women’s time was almost exactly identical to 2014 with the handicaps applied, 1 second faster and we placed 11 out of 15 (in 2014 we placed 11 out of 13). The men have set a club record which may be challenged next year. They have set an adjusted time record of 35.10.11 to beat next year.
Iron Cove Classic #3 - 22nd November
For the final of our preparation races the waters on iron cove did not disappoint. A headwind on the outward leg made rowing pretty hard work and we did our best to sit back on it and let it run. Looking forward to a tail wind to bring us home but were met with changing conditions around cockatoo island, swirling water and no relief as the wind changed around. We were ably coxed by our Head of the Yarra cox, Neil, who was very experienced with the route around Cockatoo Island and who expertly brought us close in around the point onto a great line home.
Iron Cove Classic #2 - 8th November
For our second attempt at the Classic, Iron Cove put on it’s usual conditions, waving not drowning. With our determined Cox, Lillian, in charge, who has been known to exclaim that she ‘likes it a bit rough’, we ploughed ahead. The conditions dictated a slower time but overall an improved run of the boat in our preparation for our next attempt at the Yarra. Thanks to Lil for her persistence in maintaining the line and steering us around the island in such style. Secretly she enjoyed the syncopating oar dance between the boats on the upward leg. (SC)
Head of the Parramatta - 31st October
From the Women's 8:
As part of our preparation to tackle the Head of the Yarra again this year the women’s eight lined up for one of our favourite rows, the Head of the Parramatta. Improvement over our first outing of the season last weekend was at the front of everyone’s minds and a good rhythm and run was set up early with a good start. Good conditions for most of the race with those two pesky ferries coming past in the latter part of the race but we snapped down the legs and tried to row over the waves undaunted. A faster time (22.10.90) compared with last year (22.38.91) was recorded and a 4th place in our event. And the best bit was we didn’t have to tow a boat, de-rig or pack up a trailer afterwards! (SC)
Et al:
Marcela, Jane, Kim (Syd Rowing Club) and Rowena had big smiles due to their first place in their Women's Quad event. It was further broadened when they saw how pretty the Sydney Rowing Club medal was (now coveted by their husbands!). The Men's Quad rowed a good time and finished third. The Men's 8 showed determination at their second hit out for their new season with a time of 19:04.77.
Iron Cove Classic #1 - 25th October
Perfect conditions at Iron Cove for the first time trial for the women’s 8 this season. A great warm up for the first in a series of time trials culminating in the Head of the Yarra in 5 weeks time. A steady start and a mixed crew next to us most of the way kept the momentum up. Huge thank you to Andrew for agreeing to cox the crew this morning and for keeping our spirits up. (SC)
Big thank you to Carolyn who coxed the men in their first competitive 8 in several years. You watch us improve next time! (MH) |
Spring Regatta - 17th October
As always, the Spring Regatta aroused hope and promise with the new season making its restless return to SIRC. As always, the new intake of D-graders emerged younger and more lithe; just as assuredly as we craggy band of Masters counted a few more sags and wrinkles. But we came to row, and row we did. Margaret Atwood has written: "In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt" and so we did. But it was honest dirt, suffused with sweat and a reassuring pinch of satisfaction.
Lillian, Sue, Judith and Judy M had something to brag about after the women's quad, coming from 8th at halfway to row through two crews and fall just 0.66s short of fifth. In so doing, their second 500m was five seconds faster than their first. Way to go ladies! Cons found his way back to SIRC after a prolonged absence and the Penrith precinct was all the better for that. And Terry joined Andrew, Doug and Steve in the men's quad to combine for a slick sub-3:30 and take second place. Andrew, Doug and Rowena also grabbed seconds in their singles races in which the men were helped to PBs by a kind tail-breeze. Audrey, Marcela, Jane and Rowena took third in their quad, while Andrew and Doug won glass tankards for winning their doubles race; prompting some to ponder what the 15-year-old boy and girl winners would do with their tankards. Also, under a new scoring system this season, Steve earned a club point for coming fourth in his single. This is because two Kinross rowers finished in front of him. This season, in any race, only one boat from any club can earn points. So, for example, if Glebe rowers finished first, second and third; then St George rowers finished fourth, fifth and sixth; and one of our rowers finished seventh (and beat someone home), then Glebe would get three points, St George would get two and we would get one. So there's a surprise bonus Steve! To cap a memorable day, even the queues for Monster Trucks weren't too bad as we wound home along the M4. As Arnie might say: "We'll be back." (DS) |
North Shore Head - 4.4km Time Trial - 10th October
Perfect blue skies, a tide turning in our favour and a bevy of boats rowing to the start heightened the anticipation for Sydney Women's five starters in the North Shore Head time trial. There were minor navigational challenges down the picturesque and meandering 4.4km course. All boats performed well as they pushed themselves against the clock. Rowena was second of 8 starters in the women's masters single behind Anne Parbury. There were 16 starters in the men's masters single with Doug and Steve finishing third and fourth respectively behind winner Mark Tietjen. Richard was heard to mumble early on: "Who put that rock there?" before finishing a solid ninth. Terry and Charlie get high fives, firstly for a fabulous effort in committing to the race by hiring a ute to transport their double, then to launch it on the narrow slippery ramp and finally for their determined sixth place finish.
Nepean Regatta - 26th September
As in life, better outcomes in rowing can be achieved if you learn from your mistakes. Doug embraced two lessons from the past to great affect at the Nepean Regatta. Lesson 1: you row faster if you don't hit the bridge. Lesson 2: as the afternoon sun dips, so does the price of canteen cakes. For results, see photo (right) - bling in the men's single and an imposing selection of zingy cinnamon and apple muffins and delicate strawberry cupcakes. Respect.
And while Doug may have been our only rower to join the medal queue, we were stacked three and four deep in the tuck shop line-up with Neil demonstrating impressive elbow technique en-route to his bargain. Back on the water, Steve grabbed two seconds - one in his single and the other when he and Richard were just pipped in the double. Richard also grabbed third in his single as did Andrew and Doug in their double and Steve, Richard, Doug and Andrew in their quad. Also, depending whether you're the glass half full or glass half empty type, the men's and women's fours both took out second place or finished last. The post-race trudge up the Nepean hill doesn't get any less steep but all attendees were well rewarded with cheery tent-side banter complimenting solid efforts with oars in hand. |
Henley on Hunter - Sunday 13th September
There was bling aplenty for Sydney Women's at the first regatta of the season with seven of our rowers adorned by at least one shiny thing by day's end. Marcela and Rowena opened our medal tally by making light of a 21-second handicap to win the women's double. Likewise, the day ended in all-round triumph when the canteen firstly reduced all items to $1 before giving its produce away. (There's a lesson for next year - don't shop too soon.) But even before the bacon-and-egg bonanza, Andrew and Doug matched their wives' deeds by winning the men's double after starting off 11 seconds. And Andrew also won his single event, despite scandalous suggestions to the contrary on the Rowing NSW website. In a rousing finale to competition Mike, Rowena, Doug, Terry and Judy M were part of the victorious composite Endeavour 8+ which won after a spirited tussle down the entire course.
Amid the peaceful rural surrounds - with not a bloating, floating sheep carcass in sight - all competitors were imbued with a sense of well being and fun. The occasional swarm of flying ants near the trailer was offset by on-water efforts which earned us a swag of minor placings. Sue, Petra, Marcela and Rowena just failed to catch the scratch markers in the women's quad while other second placings went to Mike and Richard in the double, and Terry and Doug were runners-up in their singles races. Similarly, Petra and Richard finished third in their singles events. A highlight of the Henley on Hunter regatta is always the novelty of the composite Endeavour races. While the selection process for men's event left, what might diplomatically be described as room for improvement, the women's event attracted five crews and was closely contested. Marcela and Sue's quad came a very close second. Not far behind was Lil and Rowena's boat, while Judy M also enjoyed a solid row. |
Nepean Time Trial - 22nd August
The club dipped its oars into competitive waters for the first time this season when Richard, Doug and Steve contested the 5km Head of the Nepean time trial. Over 150 entrants spectacularly littered the river as they paddled en-masse, southwards to the motorway bridge and beyond. Behind the start line they bobbed and tapped and waited until they could forestall the inevitable no longer. About 600 strokes and it was all over. Less than a season after becoming a competition rower, Richard was magnificent in finishing fifth of 24 men's masters rowers. Doug (sixth) and Steve (12th) also represented the club with the distinction. The season beckons.