NSW State Masters Championships - 26 & 27 May 2018
Saturday
There were glimpses of glory; a pathway to the future; demonstrations of depth and an uncanny recurring margin of 0.39secs for our club on Day One of the State Masters Championships. GLORY By sunset on Saturday, six of our crews had impressively rowed their way through heats and into finals and another nine boats were drawn into straight finals. Our first rowers to visit the podium were Marcela, Rosemary, Janine and Rowena who had disappeared into the crisp early-morning mist and emerged with a bronze in the E4-. In Session Two, Richard and Steve went one better grabbing silver in the G4x with Mike P and Branko. Then Marcela and Rowena were back on the podium alongside Andrew and Doug after winning the mixed E4x in a slick time. Later Enza and Petra collected a bonus bronze in the F2- after the erstwhile stroke, in her inimitable style, convinced the judges that no matter how they wanted to look at it - third was still third; and third meant bronze. FUTURE This regatta is traditionally the end of a long hard season but Jodie, Skye, Colleen and Sally were regarding it as the start of something much more. In their first full season of competition together they finished third in their heat of the D4x and fifth in the final against crack crews. If they were deservedly proud, they were not content. Even before the oars had dried there was talk of next year, firmer resolve and higher goals. Go girls! It may seem odd to write in a rowing review: “Don’t Look Back” but that’s the way ahead (sort of??). Andrew, Doug, Richard and Steve won’t be the only ones hoping to feed off that enthusiasm next season when they aim to upgrade near misses for medals. DEPTH (If that nuff-nuff, knuckle-headed commentator Barry had cared to look) of the seven boats and 28 men in the final of the G4x, our club provided 10 oarsmen. Only that young kid, Andrew, missed a berth in our crews as he was off qualifying for the final of the D1x. Those same G men provided three and half crews in the doubles where Richard and Mike P, along with Neil and Doug advanced to the finals. 0.39 Although racing five lanes apart and out of winning contention, it was a duel to the final stroke when Suzie and Denis just edged out Petra and Charlie by just 0.39s in the mixed G2x. Amazingly that was the exact same gap between two of our mixed G4xs later in the day. Contesting separate divisions and off different handicaps, the adjusted margin between Janine, Lillian, Joe and Mike’s crew and that of Petra, Rosemary, Terry and Charlie’s boat was 0.39s. Solidarity to the end.(DS) |
Sunday
Like Saturday, Sunday began with a damp, foggy feeling. However, it wasn’t from copious red wine the night before, it was actually damp and foggy.
Starters in Session 1 were the MH2x of Denis and Joe, the MG8+ (primed by astute coaching), 1.5 boats in the WF4x, three MF1x scullers and three WE2x. The only medal came from Rowena and Marcela, welcoming back Alex and Lydia (now Drummoyne-ites) in the WF4x, securing a Bronze. Richard and Doug progressed to the MF1x Final but placed just behind four stand-out scullers. Fifth and fifth and seventh in the WE2x Heats meant no Finals action. The session ended with the ever-popular Mixed D-F2x event. Andrew scuttled Marcela’s run of podium visits, placing only second (bloody thievin’ Kiwis) but they enjoyed a much less tense drive home than last year. The Stewarts met a gun crew and were second. Richard and Jodie battled to third, as did Steve and Janine – both boats quite pleased. Suzie and Mike G now have experience to draw upon.
Session 2 was relatively quiet, only five boats touching the water. The MF4- and the WF2x found the pace pretty hot. Colleen now knows that D1x is a hard nut to crack. The MG1x had Charlie and Terry lining up. Terry confirmed Charlie’s assurance that a medal was possible when he stormed to a Bronze medal. It was a just and popular reward for someone who has spent the season up to his armpits in the Parramatta River pulling every boat onto the ramp, no matter how inept the bow person. Nice.
Session 3 on Sunday is always the hardest to get up for. None of the five boats made a real impression. Maybe only the WD4- showed a glimpse when they looked likely before a Mosman boat latterly looked likelier. (Say that three times quickly).
So the day ended, the boats were packed up, the M4 traffic was thankfully clear, the boats were unpacked, then 30 rowers made a collective exhale, relieved that all was done. The now traditional (based on two years) drinks in the trailer were had, short speeches made and rowers drifted off into the evening. Some lunatics were planning rows later this week, the more prudent rowers planning later this year. Whatever your plans, 2018-2019 is only five weeks away, the water is usually flat, ergs are in the Shed, excuses will not be tolerated. And it all starts again . . .
(AP)
Like Saturday, Sunday began with a damp, foggy feeling. However, it wasn’t from copious red wine the night before, it was actually damp and foggy.
Starters in Session 1 were the MH2x of Denis and Joe, the MG8+ (primed by astute coaching), 1.5 boats in the WF4x, three MF1x scullers and three WE2x. The only medal came from Rowena and Marcela, welcoming back Alex and Lydia (now Drummoyne-ites) in the WF4x, securing a Bronze. Richard and Doug progressed to the MF1x Final but placed just behind four stand-out scullers. Fifth and fifth and seventh in the WE2x Heats meant no Finals action. The session ended with the ever-popular Mixed D-F2x event. Andrew scuttled Marcela’s run of podium visits, placing only second (bloody thievin’ Kiwis) but they enjoyed a much less tense drive home than last year. The Stewarts met a gun crew and were second. Richard and Jodie battled to third, as did Steve and Janine – both boats quite pleased. Suzie and Mike G now have experience to draw upon.
Session 2 was relatively quiet, only five boats touching the water. The MF4- and the WF2x found the pace pretty hot. Colleen now knows that D1x is a hard nut to crack. The MG1x had Charlie and Terry lining up. Terry confirmed Charlie’s assurance that a medal was possible when he stormed to a Bronze medal. It was a just and popular reward for someone who has spent the season up to his armpits in the Parramatta River pulling every boat onto the ramp, no matter how inept the bow person. Nice.
Session 3 on Sunday is always the hardest to get up for. None of the five boats made a real impression. Maybe only the WD4- showed a glimpse when they looked likely before a Mosman boat latterly looked likelier. (Say that three times quickly).
So the day ended, the boats were packed up, the M4 traffic was thankfully clear, the boats were unpacked, then 30 rowers made a collective exhale, relieved that all was done. The now traditional (based on two years) drinks in the trailer were had, short speeches made and rowers drifted off into the evening. Some lunatics were planning rows later this week, the more prudent rowers planning later this year. Whatever your plans, 2018-2019 is only five weeks away, the water is usually flat, ergs are in the Shed, excuses will not be tolerated. And it all starts again . . .
(AP)
Iron Cove Masters - 6Th May
For our beloved club the Iron Cove Masters proved to be truly one for the ages – from youngest to oldest and pretty much everyone in between. Our most youthful Masters rower, Alba, aged just 30 and in her first full season of competition, won a medal with Suzie in the C2x. While at the other end of the timeline of life, Denis - tipping the calendar at a twinkle or two more than three score years and ten - combined with Neil to claim victory in the H2x. What a day!
Andrew won the opening event of the regatta in the C1x and thus began a magnificent procession of club members who headed in triumph and fanfare to the presentation arena (Owen’s plywood table on the second floor of the Leichhardt boat shed).
By the time Richard had picked up his spoils for winning the F1x late in the day – his fourth medal of the regatta!!!! (one exclamation mark per shiny disc) – Sydney Women’s had won a club record 12 events with no less than 17 members able to proudly flash their booty.
Apart from the fore mentioned, other highlights included a polished victory by relative newcomers Sally, Colleen, Skye and Jodie in the D4x and a calm, mature win to Lillian, Judy and Sue (who combined with Sydney’s Dorothy) in the H4x. Other than Richard (4), multiple medal winners were Steve (3), Andrew (3) and Rowena (2) with Marcela and Doug also snaring one each.
But as any good steak knife salesman would tell you, that’s not all folks! On a day of frantic, short turnarounds, where Mike H did a sensational job of boat juggling, the club also claimed 11 second placings and eight thirds. So on a sunny, mostly calm day all 29 club members present contributed to a memorable regatta both on and off the water. Great effort clubmates.(DS)
Andrew won the opening event of the regatta in the C1x and thus began a magnificent procession of club members who headed in triumph and fanfare to the presentation arena (Owen’s plywood table on the second floor of the Leichhardt boat shed).
By the time Richard had picked up his spoils for winning the F1x late in the day – his fourth medal of the regatta!!!! (one exclamation mark per shiny disc) – Sydney Women’s had won a club record 12 events with no less than 17 members able to proudly flash their booty.
Apart from the fore mentioned, other highlights included a polished victory by relative newcomers Sally, Colleen, Skye and Jodie in the D4x and a calm, mature win to Lillian, Judy and Sue (who combined with Sydney’s Dorothy) in the H4x. Other than Richard (4), multiple medal winners were Steve (3), Andrew (3) and Rowena (2) with Marcela and Doug also snaring one each.
But as any good steak knife salesman would tell you, that’s not all folks! On a day of frantic, short turnarounds, where Mike H did a sensational job of boat juggling, the club also claimed 11 second placings and eight thirds. So on a sunny, mostly calm day all 29 club members present contributed to a memorable regatta both on and off the water. Great effort clubmates.(DS)
Edward Trickett - NSW Grade Championships - 28/29 April
Only two members, Richard and Andrew, ventured to SIRC for some race practice in their singles, entering the D- and C-Grade events. Both rowers advanced to the semis for each event without too much fuss. From there, Richard elected to scratch the D- semi to focus on achieving a time-goal in the C-. However, the appreciable wind had turned westerly by then and his ambition was thwarted. The C-semis were much more competitive as well and so ended Richard’s day. Andrew’s D-semi went well and progression was made to the Final where the usual scullers who we haven’t seen in Grade all year took the Gold and Silver while Andrew finished 5th. (AP)
Drummoyne Masters Regatta - 22 April
Cooler conditions and flat water provided the perfect platform for the club to build on its already healthy masters' point score. A general feeling of accomplishment and positivity circulated through our crews. Some crews appreciated tight finishes, others enjoyed a smooth well-balanced boat and some felt their boats lift and glide with good boat run. Our composite crews were encouraged as their new crew mates slotted in well. Not all was rosy: too many cocktails seemed like a valid reason for one disappointed rower, a cursed-crab bit in hard at a crucial point in one crews gallop for home and haywire steering saw one crew, not once, but twice tangle oars with a Balmain crew in the early stages of their race. Pushing those hiccups aside, the score tally was pleasing with everyone contributing once again to its increase. While we did gain 29.31 points on the masters’ tally to have accumulated a total of 145.28 points, we were ever-so-slightly over-taken in the positions by Leichhardt. We slipped to fourth overall in the masters competition, with Mosman first (195.18), Balmain second (186.11) and Leichhardt third (146.28)…(just by 1.22 points! damn it!). Four-point crews were: Andrew (C1x), Richard (F1x), Richard and Steve (F2x) and Rosemary Colleen, Marcela and Rowena (E4-). Iron Cove is our last chance to gather masters’ points before the triple-point scoring NSW State Champs…So, chins-up, knees down, body swing and then… bring it on! (RS)
Leichhardt Grade Regatta - 8 April
In the first event for club members, Colleen showed impeccable timing, not just over the course of her novice single but in winning the event she has gained a medal and lost her novice status at the last possible opportunity as the grade season comes to a close. Only Trickett remains...and that, my dears, is another story! So, well done Colleen! Club points were healthily gathered across all boats and crews in this final points dash. Richard and Rowena also snapped up four points alongside Colleen's win. The water was perfect for much of the regatta but the heat was searing and sought to test tempers as shade was difficult to find.
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Drummoyne Rowers Grade Regatta - 18 March
All week the winds were forecast to be at regatta-cancelling strength from the get-go of the regatta. But conditions proved to be perfect up until the last couple of events.
Richards's first race in his new fluidesign single saw him comfortably take out first place in his division of the men's 1x. Alba also collected her first medal as cox of the women's 4+ of Rosemary, Janine, Marcela and Rowena. C-grade awaits Rowena after her win in her single. The jury is still out on the second division of the women's 4x as Balmain, having missed their heat, snuck into the next division and beat our girls - Janine, Rosemary, Enza and Marcela. A protest has been lodged - only time will tell. (Update: Protest not upheld :( )
Richards's first race in his new fluidesign single saw him comfortably take out first place in his division of the men's 1x. Alba also collected her first medal as cox of the women's 4+ of Rosemary, Janine, Marcela and Rowena. C-grade awaits Rowena after her win in her single. The jury is still out on the second division of the women's 4x as Balmain, having missed their heat, snuck into the next division and beat our girls - Janine, Rosemary, Enza and Marcela. A protest has been lodged - only time will tell. (Update: Protest not upheld :( )
Riverview Gold Cup - 3 March
The Women's 8 negotiated the tricky Riverview Gold Cup course to place third. The start was somewhat hair-raising as the wind pushed the 8s together. But Judi put the difficult conditions behind them and got away to a good start. The crew worked well together, keeping strong throughout the race.
Sydney rowing Club - 24 February
Perfect conditions welcomed clubs of all ages onto the waters of SIRC. As opposed to last year's men only crews representing our club, this year was a chick thing. Terry ensured that the men were there in spirit. Of our twelve girls the quad of Jodie, Sally, Skye and Rowena fared the best by taking third in their masters division with a cracking 4:04.23. Points were collected by others as the concertina point scoring gave us a second in the women's four (Janine, Suzie, Judith & Alba) and a third in the second division of the quads (Rosemary, Judy, Lil & Sue). As always, at the end of the day, there is plenty to dream about and plan for when next at SIRC.
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Balmain Grade - 11th February
The mild-mannered start to the day hood-winked what was to become a wild, frantic, action-packed finish to the Balmain Grade regatta. Racing into a slight head-wind the women’s 8 and men’s singles made valiant charges to the UTS finish. Richard faired the best with a second in his division. Two hours later the wind had picked up providing stiffer resistance for the women’s singles. By far the most exciting event of the day for the club was the women’s novice single, where we represented the entire field. Three of our fantastic new competition rowers – Jodie, Colleen and Anna - had to take on one another. Inevitably one would sacrifice their novice status in exchange for a pretty Balmain medal. Jodie cleared out early and held on for a well-earned win. Welcome to the “other side”, Jodie!! She has been a consistent improver and shown ability and determination at every stage of her singles campaign. Congratulation also goes to Colleen and Anna, who have continued to show a fantastic resolve to better their singles rowing, and they battled each other gamely to the finish with Colleen grabbing second. Rowena added 4 points to the club premiership score with a win in division 1 and Petra stayed long and strong to place second in her race. The lunch break changed everything. The coffee and muffins were accompanied by a howling southerly that covered the bay with whitecaps reducing subsequent events to survival adventures. First to brave the conditions were Petra and Enza, who finished upright in a pair and claimed third place. The men’s quad (Mike G, Charlie, Richard and Doug) then negotiated a strong, yet severely buffeted course to also finish third and the wind only got stronger. Accordingly, our women’s doubles were able to tick every box for confirmation of bad conditions…off-course (tick), taking on water (tick), capsize (tick twice)….. And yet out of all these s*#ty conditions we managed a second (Colleen and Suzie) and a third (Lil and Skye) before the regatta was cancelled. Whereas the Balmain BBQ provide a difficult obstacle to negotiate on the way to the Leichhardt ramp, the beers at Rocco’s, for those on the alcohol run, or gelato at Trovs, for the sweeter-toothed side of the club, hit the spot. (RS)
Small Boats - 27 January
A later starting time afforded members a sleep in, leisurely boat load and sedate cruise out to SIRC. But once there, heads were focused on a good days racing. As expected when racing at SIRC, the competition was equally focused and more than a tad talented! Again our men were a credit to the club with Doug finishing strongly to take second in his single and then he teamed-up with Richard to snap a second in the MM2x. Timing equipment failure in Jodie and Anna's single was disappointing as both girls were looking forward to getting a time on the board. Rough calculations has us thinking that both girls were sub 5 mins but who will ever know! Rowena and Colleen had the buzz of knowing they could update their personal spreadsheets with PBs after their 1x. Most rows involved sitting on the start line waiting for the starter to finally reach their appointed start time. But Richard and Terry endured the longest count of 57 and 49, respectively. Bravo to the oldies out there causing such time gaps! Valiant effort to Rosemary, who not only brought fabulous memories of her skiing holiday home but a fabulous flu as well. Her heart was in her racing but the body was not....always a next time! (RS)
PS - thanks Colleen for temperature reducing ice-blocks at SIRC and Doug for esky-chilled beverages after boat unloading! |
Taree Regatta - 12, 13 & 14 January 2018
Our adventure into the two and a half days of racing started on Thursday night when Anna claimed the best vantage point on the western side of the boat ramp as OURS. Her prowess in knot-tying, peg-positioning, tarp-handling and WH&S guidelines was extremely impressive and became a solid base for SWRC over the weekend.
By Friday, 2pm, pretty much all our club members had trickled into Taree ready for racing. The first race of the weekend (men and women’s grade 2x) is always a bit nerve-wracking especially on the run-out tide of the mighty Manning River. Anna celebrated her inaugural row at a regatta by combining with Sally to claim an exciting third in their division. With only one days warning to substitute for Sue in the race, Anna, who’d never rowed a double with Sally before, bravely jumped into the vacant bow seat and called a good line on this tricky course. Thumbs-up! While many crews grabbed minor placings, only Janine and Petra could celebrate a win in the afternoon’s racing, backing up their 2017 win in this same event. Our mixed quads rowed hard but others in this sport who are fitter, stronger and younger proved that, indeed, they are fitter, stronger and younger!
Friday’s nor-easter gave way to a hot westerly on Saturday making racing long and hard on the out-going tide. We bolstered our medal tally with Marcela, Skye, Janine and Rowena taking out the WM4x and Doug and Andrew winning their MM2x. But Mike G experienced the biggest fluctuation of fortunes. After falling in in his single, he erased all bitter memories by combining with Geoff Raymond (SydneyRC) to beat all but a crack Glebe crew in their doubles race.
Even though plenty of water and sunscreen was splashed around during Saturday’s heat, the cooler conditions of Sunday were a very welcome change….until the southerly hit. It hit hard and hit early. Two of our women’s 8s battled head winds and chop. Our men’s four slewed sideways requiring the bow side to rip in hard while the stroke side had a cuppa. Janine and Rowena got to the start to compete in their singles events (along with other determined souls) but were escorted back to the boat ramp by our very own BRO, Steve, as the wind conditions were deemed too ferocious and all racing was cancelled for the rest of the day.
As usual the accommodation was close by, clean and comfortable. The food organised by Enza - chicken, steak, fish, salads, desserts, condiments - was delicious. The club’s camaraderie came to the fore during the tricky boat loading. Cheery, thoughtful team work ensured that both tempers and boats were tucked away safely culminating to ensure a memorable competitive debut on the Manning for Jodie, Colleen, Briana, Anna and Mike G.
Ah, Taree! What will you throw up for next year’s adventure? (RS)
By Friday, 2pm, pretty much all our club members had trickled into Taree ready for racing. The first race of the weekend (men and women’s grade 2x) is always a bit nerve-wracking especially on the run-out tide of the mighty Manning River. Anna celebrated her inaugural row at a regatta by combining with Sally to claim an exciting third in their division. With only one days warning to substitute for Sue in the race, Anna, who’d never rowed a double with Sally before, bravely jumped into the vacant bow seat and called a good line on this tricky course. Thumbs-up! While many crews grabbed minor placings, only Janine and Petra could celebrate a win in the afternoon’s racing, backing up their 2017 win in this same event. Our mixed quads rowed hard but others in this sport who are fitter, stronger and younger proved that, indeed, they are fitter, stronger and younger!
Friday’s nor-easter gave way to a hot westerly on Saturday making racing long and hard on the out-going tide. We bolstered our medal tally with Marcela, Skye, Janine and Rowena taking out the WM4x and Doug and Andrew winning their MM2x. But Mike G experienced the biggest fluctuation of fortunes. After falling in in his single, he erased all bitter memories by combining with Geoff Raymond (SydneyRC) to beat all but a crack Glebe crew in their doubles race.
Even though plenty of water and sunscreen was splashed around during Saturday’s heat, the cooler conditions of Sunday were a very welcome change….until the southerly hit. It hit hard and hit early. Two of our women’s 8s battled head winds and chop. Our men’s four slewed sideways requiring the bow side to rip in hard while the stroke side had a cuppa. Janine and Rowena got to the start to compete in their singles events (along with other determined souls) but were escorted back to the boat ramp by our very own BRO, Steve, as the wind conditions were deemed too ferocious and all racing was cancelled for the rest of the day.
As usual the accommodation was close by, clean and comfortable. The food organised by Enza - chicken, steak, fish, salads, desserts, condiments - was delicious. The club’s camaraderie came to the fore during the tricky boat loading. Cheery, thoughtful team work ensured that both tempers and boats were tucked away safely culminating to ensure a memorable competitive debut on the Manning for Jodie, Colleen, Briana, Anna and Mike G.
Ah, Taree! What will you throw up for next year’s adventure? (RS)
NSW Sprint Championships - 3rd December
Exceeding the usual count of one bum on a seat, this year the Sprint Championships had many more – 20 bums on seats. It’s a weird feeling to paddle down to the 500m for the start and weirder to dash and splash at maximum intensity.
The weather was against us literally. A strong headwind made for very slow times and some survival tactics. Andrew was first out in the MM1x and was no match for the bigger athletes. A little later the WM1x came down. Jodie and Colleen battled the chop and very experienced rowers in Division 1. In Division 2, Rowena was eating up the 8sec handicap but was running out of water. A decent squall hit the field and she was best able to negotiate it, stay straight and slid through to capture a Gold medal – big congratulations to her! In the same race, Petra was unlucky to not podium by 0.7sec and Sally further afield. The WM4x (Rowena, Jodie, Colleen & Sally) met a big handicap and some young ‘uns. The MM2x was next and Andrew and Doug saw their weekend nemesis St George double get ahead but held on for Silver. The WM2x again found experienced rowers too strong but enjoyed the shared pain. Finally, the MM4x with Richard and Steve in attendance had a fierce race but didn’t quite get the Mosman oldies and settled for Bronze. On the day, one of each medal was earned and many lessons learned.(AP)
The weather was against us literally. A strong headwind made for very slow times and some survival tactics. Andrew was first out in the MM1x and was no match for the bigger athletes. A little later the WM1x came down. Jodie and Colleen battled the chop and very experienced rowers in Division 1. In Division 2, Rowena was eating up the 8sec handicap but was running out of water. A decent squall hit the field and she was best able to negotiate it, stay straight and slid through to capture a Gold medal – big congratulations to her! In the same race, Petra was unlucky to not podium by 0.7sec and Sally further afield. The WM4x (Rowena, Jodie, Colleen & Sally) met a big handicap and some young ‘uns. The MM2x was next and Andrew and Doug saw their weekend nemesis St George double get ahead but held on for Silver. The WM2x again found experienced rowers too strong but enjoyed the shared pain. Finally, the MM4x with Richard and Steve in attendance had a fierce race but didn’t quite get the Mosman oldies and settled for Bronze. On the day, one of each medal was earned and many lessons learned.(AP)
Reindeer Regatta - 2nd December
Without doubt the most adventurous outing of the day came from a crew that did not even race. Wild storms had been forecast to visit the regatta centre and soon after lunch they did indeed pop in with dramatic effect. Races were cancelled off or delayed but by then our intrepid men’s four (Mike H, Mike G, Neil and Charlie) were already on the water. They were approaching the entrance to the main course when a sudden flurry of horizontal rain and howling winds beached them sideways on the eastern bank. Drenched, buffeted and humming the theme song from Gilligan’s Island, they carried their boat across a grass field only to be confronted by a barbed-wire fence. But this was the Reindeer regatta so they channeled the spirit of Rudolph with his nose so bright. Bowed but unbeaten our boys returned to the water and emerged from the receding deluge, rowing past the grandstand to rousing cheers. Magnanimous officials suggested the crew could return to the start for their event if they so desired. They declined – politely or otherwise.
After all that you could say the rest of us were a tad soft – merely paddling to the start and racing for a few minutes between some lane buoys. But that we did; and did so with some aplomb. From 22 entries we recorded 11 minor placings - 7 seconds and 4 thirds. Doug and Andrew came closest to claiming a win when their double was pipped by just 0.33s. Other strong seconds came from: Jodie and Colleen who surged out a pack in the novice double; Richard in his single; and Janine, Rosemary, Rowena and Marcela in their four.
We entered the Reindeer regatta leading the premiership points tally. That will only last until Owen Nix completes his update. Long may he dally.(DS)
After all that you could say the rest of us were a tad soft – merely paddling to the start and racing for a few minutes between some lane buoys. But that we did; and did so with some aplomb. From 22 entries we recorded 11 minor placings - 7 seconds and 4 thirds. Doug and Andrew came closest to claiming a win when their double was pipped by just 0.33s. Other strong seconds came from: Jodie and Colleen who surged out a pack in the novice double; Richard in his single; and Janine, Rosemary, Rowena and Marcela in their four.
We entered the Reindeer regatta leading the premiership points tally. That will only last until Owen Nix completes his update. Long may he dally.(DS)
Head of the Yarra - 25th November
It was a big weekend. – big field (257 eights), big river (well it has one big bend), big distance (well 8.6km), big crews (several Olympic rowers but not in our crews), big Greek dinner and big fun all round.
For the fourth year in a row we headed south to participate in the biggest event on the Australian rowing calendar – the Head of the Yarra. The trailer was loaded with four eights and an uneventful drive was completed with a great parking spot snared by Petra & Charlie. They even found a South Australian trailer backing expert who made Mike look good by getting into the park in one go. Race day saw Alexandria Gardens alive with boat crews launching just upstream from Princess Bridge. Building work made the river near the start narrower than usual, so the start had three crews abreast instead of the usual four. Our crews were both racing as F crews, one of the largest divisions for both women and men. The crews were expertly coxed by local coxswains, Sarah from Melbourne Uni for the women, and Tara from Powerhouse for the men. Both crews made the finish line without incident and sped around the Big Bend with ease. Charlie rowing in six was particularly proud of how he handled the ‘stroke side ease up’ parts of the course. The rowing highlight of the day was the open men’s crew from Sydney RC (including a Patterson) breaking the race record. The social highlight of the day was our Greek dinner in Lonsdale Street. The waitress looking after us was a former student of Mike’s who had been studying at Melbourne Uni. The organisers are looking into how they can increase the size of the field next year. It was a terrific weekend all round and we will certainly return. |
Iron Cove 3 - 12 November
The third of the Iron Cove Classic series was rowed on a beautiful day, affording the M8+ a lovely run around the island. Dropping into a steady rhythm early, the gentlemen had a smooth row from and back to Leichhardt. Regular pushes kept minds on the job. A good effort all round. Now the challenge of Yarra awaits.(AP)
The fill-ins for a UNSW 8 - Colleen, Janine and Rowena - found themselves in a bow rigged boat with no cox-box! All content, but pooped! This 8 rowing is not for the faint hearted!!(RS) |
Head of the Parramatta River - 4th November
This year saw probably the biggest crowd of SWRC members appear for as long as this writer can remember. Two eights, two quads and a four+ got themselves to the start line by 7am to take part in the only event of the year where pack-up is a relatively simple operation. Add to that two School crews and we had a busy ramp. Members had to be co-operative to keep everything moving.
The conditions were reasonably good with a bit of run-in tide against us but the skies were kind and not much wind to speak of. The M8+ was first down the course. They managed to keep their boat somewhat afloat (after ICC2’s adventure) and recorded a respectable 21:15. The M4x followed. Their risk-and-reward gamble paid dividends as they caught their primary target by skating through the moored boats beyond Ryde Bridge and then enjoyed a 4km match race down to the finish. Their 18:10 was enough to secure a medal. The W8+ were next and they used their local knowledge and repeated practice to come in 3rd of 6 in a very tidy effort of 22:58. The W4x was slightly less prepared than our other boats but they stuck to the task and really were not that far off the winning time with their 24:11. Finally the W4+ completed the course in a snappy 22:51, collecting the medal as sole entrants in their event notwithstanding a bit of argy-bargy with a kamikaze Sydney quad and another unnamed quad. The stewards have been collecting plenty of data on the incident and still have NFI who was to blame. (AP)
The conditions were reasonably good with a bit of run-in tide against us but the skies were kind and not much wind to speak of. The M8+ was first down the course. They managed to keep their boat somewhat afloat (after ICC2’s adventure) and recorded a respectable 21:15. The M4x followed. Their risk-and-reward gamble paid dividends as they caught their primary target by skating through the moored boats beyond Ryde Bridge and then enjoyed a 4km match race down to the finish. Their 18:10 was enough to secure a medal. The W8+ were next and they used their local knowledge and repeated practice to come in 3rd of 6 in a very tidy effort of 22:58. The W4x was slightly less prepared than our other boats but they stuck to the task and really were not that far off the winning time with their 24:11. Finally the W4+ completed the course in a snappy 22:51, collecting the medal as sole entrants in their event notwithstanding a bit of argy-bargy with a kamikaze Sydney quad and another unnamed quad. The stewards have been collecting plenty of data on the incident and still have NFI who was to blame. (AP)
Iron Cove 2 - 29 October
Up early. Down to the shed where our well-oiled and practiced crew got two eights into the water and hooked up to the tinnies for a leisurely trip around to Rodd Point.
Conditions in Iron Cove were near perfect. Flat water, no wind mild temperature. What could go wrong on such a day?
The mens’ eight in the recently renamed Neil McCormack powered off the start rating at 28. Cox Briana kept them on the job up Iron Cove., the crew responding to each of her calls for a push. 500m splits in the low 2:10s. Things were looking good on the approach to Cockatoo Island. And then……
They say you learn from adversity. Well here is what we learnt today:
Ideal conditions, a steely cox with her line set, a flying start, crew in unison, responsive, bearing down on a boat in front, first left hand turn around Cockatoo Island text book precision, second turn firm words from the cox “oh my god ..keep rowing girls this is not your problem its my problem”. What problem one may ask? – a large cruiser bearing down on us, a tidal wave, Balmain boat hit the wave. Their boat thrown in air, yells from the crew then boat down stern first. All crew were safe but boat written off. Cox Judi took control “eyes in the boat”, all stayed calm in the boat picked it up and rowed through several waves, speaker out, bow number split in two, wet bow, boat full of water but we held it . Much surprise at seeing the boys and Briana pop out from behind Snapper Island – wondered why they took the scenic route.
The row back Iron Cove was a determined effort although little slower then we hoped for. Great collegiality on and off the water
The two eights were not our only competitors - Marcela and Judith had picked up rows in separate crews. The school entered two composite crews in the open eight under the club name.
For a dead calm day this was a very eventful day. 6 boats disqualified. 3 boats sunk including the composite North Shore Crew with Judith MacDonald, a Balmain eight that was written off. And a very worn out referee – Steve.(LH)
Conditions in Iron Cove were near perfect. Flat water, no wind mild temperature. What could go wrong on such a day?
The mens’ eight in the recently renamed Neil McCormack powered off the start rating at 28. Cox Briana kept them on the job up Iron Cove., the crew responding to each of her calls for a push. 500m splits in the low 2:10s. Things were looking good on the approach to Cockatoo Island. And then……
They say you learn from adversity. Well here is what we learnt today:
- The Marine Rescue boat can produce a big wake when the driver guns his engine.
- Your speed tends to drop off when you have water over your ankles.
- Big cruiser drivers are very inconsiderate when passing water-filled eights.
- Big cruisers throw up very big wakes.
- When you have water over your seat it is best to stop and bail some water out.
- The McCormack is difficult to steer when it is full of water.
- You can surprise other crews when you come from the western side of Snapper Island
- Briana can steer one handed and bail water with her other hand using her sunglasses case as a bailer.
- This crew is resolute and refused an offer to beach and bail out.
- The hatch covers on the eight are not water-tight.
- It takes sixteen people to lift and turn the boat when it is full of water.
- You can enjoy your rowing no matter what happens.(MH)
Ideal conditions, a steely cox with her line set, a flying start, crew in unison, responsive, bearing down on a boat in front, first left hand turn around Cockatoo Island text book precision, second turn firm words from the cox “oh my god ..keep rowing girls this is not your problem its my problem”. What problem one may ask? – a large cruiser bearing down on us, a tidal wave, Balmain boat hit the wave. Their boat thrown in air, yells from the crew then boat down stern first. All crew were safe but boat written off. Cox Judi took control “eyes in the boat”, all stayed calm in the boat picked it up and rowed through several waves, speaker out, bow number split in two, wet bow, boat full of water but we held it . Much surprise at seeing the boys and Briana pop out from behind Snapper Island – wondered why they took the scenic route.
The row back Iron Cove was a determined effort although little slower then we hoped for. Great collegiality on and off the water
The two eights were not our only competitors - Marcela and Judith had picked up rows in separate crews. The school entered two composite crews in the open eight under the club name.
For a dead calm day this was a very eventful day. 6 boats disqualified. 3 boats sunk including the composite North Shore Crew with Judith MacDonald, a Balmain eight that was written off. And a very worn out referee – Steve.(LH)
North Shore Head - 21 October
This year’s North Shore Head was chalk-n-cheese compared to last year’s cyclonic weather conditions. Another welcome change was that our small contingent - four doubles and a single - had Burns Bay Reserve all to themselves, which made launching super easy. All five boats did very well. Doug and Andrew took out the Men’s Masters 2x event with Charlie and Terry picking up fourth (only seconds behind third). Marcela and Rowena won the Women’s Masters 2x with Suzie and Rosemary an impressive second. Richard took out fourth in the MM1x after a strong row but being beaten by the healthy handicaps enjoyed by H and J rowers.
The real tussle of the day was the race-within-the-race between Charlie & Terry and Rowena & Marcela. Charlie’s strategic pushes had Rowena & Marcela frustrated (only ‘mildish’ swearing from the potty-mouthed female bow) as they attempted again, and again…and again to overtake the men. For over half the race this battle continued. Finally, Terry’s good nature made Charlie behave and the boys surrendered their lead right on the finish line! Today’s results pushes our club beyond last year’s total of 18 points on the NSW Rowing Bohemia Point Score. That’s another round of high fives to be slapped out around the shed. Going strong, team! Keep it up! (R&DS) |
NSW Spring Regatta - 14th October
On a wet, overcast, breezy and chilly day in Penrith the SWRC contingent competed against a relatively small field. A number of events were cancelled due to insufficient participants. The spectator turnout was also very low.
Against a field of young competitors the club managed six third places as follows: Novice1x – Jodie, D1x – Janine, C1x – Andrew, D2x – Petra & Janine, D1x – Richard, D4 – Sally, Suzie,Janine & Marcella (cox Andrew). Along with myself, Jodie and Colleen also competed in our first novice singles events. It was a little daunting, especially when we realised we were competing against such youngsters. In my case, younger than my youngest son! Still for the three of us it was all about gaining the experience and confidence to do it better next time. The 10-15 knot winds experienced on the day provided some challenges, especially while waiting for a race start. Some rowers drifted out of their lanes whilst waiting to start. The wind direction changed significantly a couple of times. From bow to stroke sides and then to astern. We also experienced a number of light drizzly showers that moved slowly through the area. In the challenging conditions a number of us were wishing we had brought some decent wet weather clothing. (MG) |
Lane Cove Head - 7 October
With taut lines, two tinnes towed the women’s 8 and the men’s four to compete in the Lane Cove Head - a big boats, sweep oar contest. However hard we tried, the competition for both the women’s 8 (Enza, Petra, Rosemary, Lilian, Skye, Sally, Judy, Judith and cox Brianna, who very capably coxed the women’s 8 through the bends and around the buoys to complete the 6.5km course) and the men’s four (Charlie, Terry, Neil, Cons and cox Rowena) was too classy for our crews on this day. But the club comradery (taking into account the presence of Mike, Richard and Doug who didn’t compete but helped tow the boats) and participation spirit were the real winners in our eyes. (RS)
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Snapshot of pointscore - 25 September 2017
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Shoalhaven Head and Sprints - 23 September
Rowing against an incoming tide with unusual water movement and tricky buoys to go around, it was hard to fully appreciate the beauty of the Shoalhaven River. Four of our boats – women’s 8, two men’s quads and a women’s quad – snaked their way through the 6.5km course. The quad of Doug, Richard, Andrew and Steve snapped along the journey and claimed victory in the master’s quad category. The women’s quad collected points for second even though it was a two-horse race. The other men’s quad were denied points due to the NSW concertina point scoring system and the women’s 8 had equipment failure forcing them to limp home after a great start.
The Sprint races began just one hour after the Head event finished. Only 6 clubs contested the sprints with the hosts - Shoalhaven - and us dominating the entries. We earned fantastic points for the regatta with everyone contributing to our impressive NSW Rowing tally. We claimed four first places in the sprints – MM4x (Andrew, Doug, Steve and Richard), Petra WM1x, Rowena WM1x and Richard MM1x. The effort to attend the country regattas has served us well. The club (I know…early days, don’t get too excited) is first on the up-to-the-minute tally board on the new-look Rowing NSW website. At this snap-shot in time we are (insert drum roll here) first in Masters, first in D grade and first overall in Premiership. Suck it in…it won’t last long BUT we have never been in this situation before – HISTORY is MADE!!! Brilliant – well done everyone! (RS) |
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Head of the Nepean - Big Boats - 16th September
It was gold for the men and the coach was not displeased with the women's row.(JM)
Henley on Hunter - 10 September
We came from all directions and we came in numbers. With Berry Park as our target, some arrived on the flanks – from Maitland and Morpeth in the west and Raymond Terrace in the east – to join our main force driving up the M1 in the rising sun. In all, we had 11 women and 7 men competing in the first regatta of the season – Henley on Hunter, hosted by the Endeavour Club. This included Jodie and Mike G, who were making their competition debuts.
Mike was quickly into action in the very first race of the day – the men’s masters 4x – where his crew finished a solid second helped to a quick time by the last of the run-out tide and a tail breeze. By the time Jodie began her career the tide had turned and was pushing against the wind making surface conditions a tad tricky. But Jodie combined with Janine to record a neat third in the women’s masters 2x.
From 22 events entered we claimed four wins, nine seconds and four thirds. The bling bearers were: Janine (WM1x), Janine, Skye, Rowena and Marcela (WM4x); Steve, Ray (Port Mac), Doug and Richard (MM4x); and Steve and Richard (MM2x).
The club also provided at least one rower into every one of the many composite crews that contested the Endeavour Plate races – four men’s 4x, six women’s 4x and two mixed 8+s. Our high level of participation was rewarded with shared smiles, laughs and backslaps among our some-time rivals. Furthermore, Marcela was a member of two winning crews (4x, 8+) while Richard, Steve (4x), Rosemary (4x), Suzie, Petra and Mike (8+) also snared medals.
All that remained was a last-minute blitz on the much-reduced, must-be cleared canteen produce before tumbling back home down the motorway.(DS)
Mike was quickly into action in the very first race of the day – the men’s masters 4x – where his crew finished a solid second helped to a quick time by the last of the run-out tide and a tail breeze. By the time Jodie began her career the tide had turned and was pushing against the wind making surface conditions a tad tricky. But Jodie combined with Janine to record a neat third in the women’s masters 2x.
From 22 events entered we claimed four wins, nine seconds and four thirds. The bling bearers were: Janine (WM1x), Janine, Skye, Rowena and Marcela (WM4x); Steve, Ray (Port Mac), Doug and Richard (MM4x); and Steve and Richard (MM2x).
The club also provided at least one rower into every one of the many composite crews that contested the Endeavour Plate races – four men’s 4x, six women’s 4x and two mixed 8+s. Our high level of participation was rewarded with shared smiles, laughs and backslaps among our some-time rivals. Furthermore, Marcela was a member of two winning crews (4x, 8+) while Richard, Steve (4x), Rosemary (4x), Suzie, Petra and Mike (8+) also snared medals.
All that remained was a last-minute blitz on the much-reduced, must-be cleared canteen produce before tumbling back home down the motorway.(DS)
Scullers Head of the Nepean - 27 August
Early morning fog mingling with smoke haze from the overnight burn-off made the Penrith River breathtakingly beautiful as rowers made their way to the start of the 4.5km Nepean Scullers Head. With 120 starters of all ages in 15 second staggered starts, the Nepean officials ran a very slick (and popular) event. Five rowers represented SWRC – Steve, Richard, Doug, Petra and Rowena. This was the first Sydney based row for the season and it was great to catch up with the familiar faces of other club members. The field, for both men and women, had some of the best sculling rowers across all masters age groups and, to add to the competition agony, the results were slow to be released. But by Monday afternoon we knew – Richard had rocked it! He came in 6th out of 31, with an adjusted time of 19:19.05. A fabulous and well-earned result. Doug finished 16th, 19:58.98 and Steve crossed 21st, 20:32.28. Both good strong rows. While the women’s field was smaller with 23 starters, it did not make the row any easier. Rowena finished 7th, 21:42.10 and Petra came in 14th, 23:25.36. The after-regatta-chat occasionally veered from rowing and the coffee got Steve’s thumbs-up at the Frenchman’s. And… Charlie was a marvellous support crew – thank you! (RS)
3 Rivers Marathon - 25km - 20 August
Howling winds whipped up waves that pounded the ramp and made Friday boat-loading impossible for our annual trip to the 25km Three Rivers row in Port Macquarie. Dawn offered only minor respite when we gathered at the shed the next morning, to reattempt the loading. Predictions of gale force winds along the coast well into Sunday darkened our clouds of doubt. After prolonged and wavering discussions, we resigned ourselves to cancel – despite accommodation deposits having been paid and flights booked. But no sooner had our lips savoured the first sip of coffee at Roccos than the texts starting arriving. Rowena’s crew (Toni & Sue from SGRC and Linda from MRC) and Steve were already in Port and were talking up the prospects of clearing conditions. We discovered TS Eliot was right because “in a minute there is (indeed) time for decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse”. Phone calls back and forth ensued. The numbers in the possible touring party swelled and fell and swelled and fell again before being whittled down to just three. Rowena would join her quad. And Richard and Doug would combine with Steve, who had abandoned his single, and local man Ray Harward in another quad. Both boats were kindly supplied by Port Macquarie Rowing Club.
Yet, on reaching Port, the wind conditions continued to provide great uncertainty and reservations overnight. Come dawn, the trees were still swaying. And testing conditions prevailed throughout the day as predicted - albeit down a knot or two.
At the Telegraph Point start, the air was crisp and the grass dry underfoot. Participants gathered with all their different manner of paddles, blades and craft to be started in waves depending on the type of boat. Our two boats were among four quads that set off together in the third wave. After a hectic start – that suggested a 25km drag race might ensue - our men’s quad slowly pushed ahead then raced uncontested to the finish taking out line honours and fastest boat overall. The girls tussled back and forth for 23km with the Brisbane Waters men’s crew (who won the time trial last year). But finally, in the roughest conditions, our girls overtook the boys and rowed away from them in the last 2 km, finishing second overall in the time trial.
The meandering course of the first two rivers – the Wilson and the Maria - placed the boats in all types of wind conditions. At times, hugging the banks, provided perfectly calm water while 100m on, a turn in the river exposed you to battle wild choppy waters where waves and wind challenged any clean blade work.
As always, crossing the line to friendly cheers was very welcome. The fantastic PMRC hospitality allowed us to enjoy beers, big band music, free massages and lots of rowing chat. It turned out to be a fabulous weekend and a promise of a return was made as we farewelled PMRC and made tracks to our comfy digs.
Yet, on reaching Port, the wind conditions continued to provide great uncertainty and reservations overnight. Come dawn, the trees were still swaying. And testing conditions prevailed throughout the day as predicted - albeit down a knot or two.
At the Telegraph Point start, the air was crisp and the grass dry underfoot. Participants gathered with all their different manner of paddles, blades and craft to be started in waves depending on the type of boat. Our two boats were among four quads that set off together in the third wave. After a hectic start – that suggested a 25km drag race might ensue - our men’s quad slowly pushed ahead then raced uncontested to the finish taking out line honours and fastest boat overall. The girls tussled back and forth for 23km with the Brisbane Waters men’s crew (who won the time trial last year). But finally, in the roughest conditions, our girls overtook the boys and rowed away from them in the last 2 km, finishing second overall in the time trial.
The meandering course of the first two rivers – the Wilson and the Maria - placed the boats in all types of wind conditions. At times, hugging the banks, provided perfectly calm water while 100m on, a turn in the river exposed you to battle wild choppy waters where waves and wind challenged any clean blade work.
As always, crossing the line to friendly cheers was very welcome. The fantastic PMRC hospitality allowed us to enjoy beers, big band music, free massages and lots of rowing chat. It turned out to be a fabulous weekend and a promise of a return was made as we farewelled PMRC and made tracks to our comfy digs.
Head of the Hunter - 45km - 30 July
Nursing some mighty-fine blisters and bone-weary muscles, the night’s sleep couldn’t come soon enough for Marcela and Rowena after their marathon row from Newcastle Harbour to Berry Park – home of Endeavour Rowing Club. The 45km course represented a solid endurance hit-out during which variable conditions kept the row challenging. Unfortunately, for our quad (teamed with Jane Tribe and Catherine Starling from Mosman RC) the race began before the in-coming tide had declared its presence. After negotiating the choppy waters of Newcastle Harbour and crossing the shipping channel, we endured a head wind for about 20 km. Gradually conditions settled, the water flattened and the tide kicked in bringing up welcome numbers on our stroke coaches. Andrew joined the race at Raymond Terrace and enjoyed a 13km row winding through good farming land. He crossed the line in a breezy 1hour 2minutes and 42seconds. Marcela and Rowena’s quad took out the Fastest Women's Time trophy in 4hrs 7mins and 2secs. Not a bad effort for the club’s first outing of 2017/18 and first ever entries in this Head event. We also benefited from the efforts of our support crew, Doug, who jumped in a tinny to marshal boats across Newcastle Harbour then took loads of photos and delivered rowers, boats and belongings to our various start points and the finish. (RS)
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Catherine, Marcela, Rowena & Jane.
Andrew in his single. |