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Writeup of 2011 Regatta Event
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The Oxford and Cambridge Society of Hong Kong Annual Regatta.
Saturday 16 April, 2011
Location: RHKYC Middle Island
Weather: Sunny. It’s always sunny in Teletubbyland
What happened? Read on….
One needs experience in sheep rounding to gather rowers and spectators to the boathouse in order to compete in the Annual Regatta, the lure of RHKYC Singapore noodles and gunners apparently having a stronger draw. Eventually, all were assembled in time to register, faff about, whinge about their lack of fitness or their hangover, invent a story as to their Oxbridge connections, do some shopping at the Official Merchandise sales point and finally manage a “hands on” to get a boat afloat!
Never known to be sartorially challenged, the combined Oxbridge crew, comprising Committee members Ronald Kwok, Michael Ng, Jeremy Young and Jonathan Hui, coxed by Fergus Fung, thought it was a “best dressed” competition and surprised the assembled crews and spectators as they emerged from the boathouse in spectacular matching Teletubbies all-in-ones! Not quite what Ronald had in mind when he asked Jeremy to buy matching unisuits, with the brief to find “high tech racing gear to reduce wind resistance”. Amongst much hilarity (never let it be said that Oxbridgers lack a sense of humour) they paddled their way out to the start line in true Teletubby style to face the serious Oxonians, albeit with some dubious Oxford credentials; Kyle “I spent a dirty weekend in Oxford” Chea and Pip “I grew up on a farm in Oxfordshire” Symington, to name but a couple of rowers with tenuous Oxford links. Under the capable and long suffering starter Jonathan Cantwell, the first race got off to an “interesting” start. Coxswain Fergus “Tinky Winky” Fung apparently thought it was a Bumps race and therefore aimed his unsuspecting fellow tubbies directly at the opposition. A cry of “Uh-Oh” from Tinky Winky when he realized his error brought Jonathan Cantwell, RHKYC Rowing Coach and umpire of the race, to the rescue, skillfully averting a near collision. The fact that he killed the launch in the process was a small price to pay. Imagine having to report to Noo Noo and the gigantic rabbits that the tubbies had gone underground for good…? Meanwhile, leaving behind the mayhem of La-La Land, the Oxford 2nd Boat took an early lead and left the Teletubbies sweating it out in their red furry suits. In the words of Joyce Kwong (genuine Balliolian) “George powered us through” –well, one would hope so with his Boat Race Blue pedigree. Coxed competently (although anything would look competent next to Tinky Winky’s course) by Jacqueline Petts, Mr. Bridgewater in the stroke seat lead his crew to victory by a clear 3 lengths.
Next up was the Varsity Race with the Light Blues represented by Andrew Broomhead, Doug Wu, Ken Szeto and Raymond Shuai, coxed by Michael “the rower formerly known as Dipsy” Ng. The Dark Blues crew comprised George Bridgewater, Michael Wong, Philip Sohmen and Mike Shasha, coxed by Jacqueline Petts. A very close start (it was close on the start line at least), Oxford pulled away to an early lead which the Light Blues were unable to claw back. Another 3 length victory for the Dark Blues concluded the regatta, one that will not be remembered for the rowing prowess of the competitors or the enthusiasm of the spectators, but for the good sportsmanship of the Combined Universities Teletubbies Crew. Everyone deserved a “Big Hug”, especially Jonathan Cantwell and RHKYC Rowing Section for their warm hospitality and superb organization, for which The Oxford and Cambridge Society of Hong Kong are once again most appreciative.
By Gail Southward
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