For the first time in the 21st Century Curlew RC were crowned Champions of the Thames, having romped to victory at the Greenwich Head.
The Greenwich Head is believed to be the oldest Head race on the Thames, having been inaugurated in 1948, and remains the only Head race rowed downstream of Tower Bridge. This year Greenwich Head seemed to be the only Head on the South East circuit which was likely to run. Saying that, the course was shortened considerably so to minimise the affect of the wind and tide.
However, both the men and women saw this as a great opportunity to get some much needed river practice before WeHoRR and HoRR as well as putting one over on their local rivals. Both VIIIs were fiercely competitive, with the Ladies 2nd VIII finishing in the top 20, and the men winning not just their event, or their division but the entire race. A great result. The result made even more sweet with a packed clubhouse with old and young members of Curlew watching the VIIIs race to victory.
After the race Cox Katherine (with bacon sandwich in hand) said “After a number of race cancellations, I was pleased to get our first race of the season underway however the combination of a fast stream and a dramatically shortened course meant it was all over very quickly. I am pleased with the result but don’t feel the boat fully demonstrated what we are capable of once we get into our stride. I’m looking forward to the next race so we can prove ourselves.”
I would like to say a HUGE thank you to Yvette, Iona, Dan and Debbie who did a fantastic job slaving away in the clubhouse kitchen cooking over 100 bacon/egg/sausage rolls. Also to all those members and former members who came down with friends and families to watch…it was great to see the clubhouse so busy!
If you are interested in joining Curlew RC please drop us an email and someone will get back to you…We are actively seeking rowers of all abilities as well as coaches or just social members who want to get involved in a local club.