Hammersmith Amateur Regatta 2017
TOUGHING IT OUT TO WIN BY NOT VERY MUCH IN 1M3 2X
THE CREW CRUISE AWAY FROM HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE, WITH A COMFORTABLE LEAD, AND GO ON TO WIN THE EVENT.
A brisk wind threw up an awkward chop for Hammersmith Amateur Regatta, but not nearly so bad as the sea-like conditions of the 2016 event. Sons of the Thames entrants included a WIM3 8, a WIM3 4+, two IM3 1x, one 1M3 2x, and a NM4+.
Our Masters entries were rejected - leading to a private match between our MasE 4- and a Thames Trademen's crew. The crews scored a win each, but factor in the age bonus for E v D and we reckon victory was ours.
Back at the regatta, our WIM3 4+ opened the batting for Sons with an easy victory over Team Keene. Pete then had a dead heat with a Furnivall sculler in IM3 1x. Anyone who's heard the dreaded single klaxon blast at the finish of a close singles race (er... me, for example) will recognise how the adrenalin rush of an imminent re-row curdles with burned-out muscles to produce a uniquely unpleasant sensation. So all credit to Pete for winning the re-row "easily". Although that may not have been the adverb he would have selected while racing down the course.
Next up, our novice four were unlucky to get an AK crew that looked to be of IM3 standard and it was no surprise to see the green and purples win the event. None-the-less, it felt good to see our guys, who've been rowing less than a year, giving it everything and managing well in choppy conditions. As they continue to improve, their day will come. Meanwhile, I'm hoping that the style of wearing the AIO backwards does not catch on.
Immediately afterwards we saw a ferociously competitive race between our IM3 2x and a Vesta crew. The verdict was 3/4 of a length to Sons of the Thames, but as the boats passed under Hammersmith Bridge, it looked closer.
Completing an excellent pre-lunch sequence our WIM3 8+ crew cruised away from a Furnivall unit to win by many lengths.
Mirko then lost to a Thames sculler in his single, and after the very hard race in the double a little earlier who can blame him? After his re-row, Pete may have been less than fresh, going out to another Thames sculler in IM3 1x.
The WIM3 B 4+ then got us back to winning ways with an emphatic victory over Kings College BC. Come the final, they scored an easy win over Team Keane to win the event. With the women's eight also winning - by three lengths over Putney Town - it was a good day for the club. The women's squad seem to be entering the regatta season with the best form in some years. So well done to all of them.
