Annual Regatta 31^st May 2009

Weather folklore suggests that “the louder the frog, the more the rain”. After the postponement the Annual Rowing Regatta from last month due to heavy rain, the organizers were very relieved that no frogs could be heard on the afternoon of Sunday 31^st May, 2009, (although there were plenty of croaks after the races by some rowers, but more about that later!)

Crews assembled in the clubhouse at Middle Island and shared friendly banter over lunch, before setting out for the beach to launch the boats. Splendid regatta management by RHKYC’s Rowing Section ensured that races ran smoothly and safely. For the first time, Oxford and Cambridge Society’s Annual Regatta was combined with RHKYC’s Club Championships.

A good turnout of rowers enabled three crews to be formed of an Oxford Blue Boat, a Cambridge Blue Boat and a Goldie Boat, with only one ringer needed (his girlfriend’s mother used to live in Cambridge and that was deemed sufficient connection to entitle him to row in Goldie!)

As the crews started to appear down the course, there was much cheering by enthusiastic spectators as it became very apparent that it was going to be a closely fought battle on the water between the two Blue boats. Richard Thorp (Boat Race Blue) stroked his Oxford crew (Vince Warner, Sarah Borwein and Charlie Nixon, coxed by Mark Stamper) to a narrowly fought victory of half a length over Cambridge’s Alex Bidlake (LW Blue), Francesca Zino (ex GBR Olympic), Jo James, Greg Lowden, and cox Stephan Herwig, who were “hot on their heels.” Meanwhile, Goldie (Michael Ng, Paddy Talas, Albert Goh and Tom Wrigglesworth, coxed by Hayley Clayton) came in “not far behind” and were applauded as “jolly good sports” against such fierce competition.

After some epic “round the island” races by those with more energy than sense (Oxbridge rowers by this time had already found the deckchairs and were making full use of their guest F&B card), the Prizegiving took place. In true sporting goodwill, all the competitors were awarded with an engraved tankard as a memento of the event.

The organizers gratefully thanked Jonathan Cantwell (RHKYC Rowing Coach), Paddy Talas (RHKYC Rowing Captain) and other RHKYC officials for their organization of the event and, as always, their generous hospitality.

The President thanked Michael Ng and Gail Southward for organizing this event.