Over 230 oarsmen and oarswomen from 18 different Rowing Clubs competed fiercely last Saturday on the River Soar between Kegworth and Zouch, as part of Loughborough Boat Club’s annual river race. With bright sun taking the edge off the chilly temperature, light winds led to excellent conditions for participants and spectators alike resulting in a successful and enjoyable event.
This year produced a record turnout of clubs from all four corners of the midlands, including from as far away as Chester, Stourport, Peterborough, Lincoln, and the Royal Air Force. It was a special pleasure also to welcome back Linda Nielson who returned from Denmark specially for the occasion, although her efforts were cruelly thwarted when her boat capsized just yards from the finish line, after a blisteringly fast race up to that point! Undaunted by an unscheduled dip in the Soar, she has already committed to returning next year.
The fastest time of the day was recorded by Derby Rowing Club’s quadruple scull, with Loughborough’s equivalent boat just seconds behind. The fastest single sculler , Rob Ley, was also from Derby Rowing Club, whilst Northwich RC fielded a particularly strong set of crews and picked up the ‘Victor Ludorum’ trophy after wins in eight separate events.
Loughborough Boat Club achieved one win on home water, with twins Cathy and Annie Beaumont continuing a successful year of victories. Other LBC crews fared less well, with a few making unscheduled visits to the bank, no doubt to withdraw cash to spend at the superb cake stall, perhaps even on Jerry’s flapjacks which were rumoured to have been held ‘under the counter’. However, sportsmanship on the water was shown by all, since it is clearly polite to allow the visitors to win in your home event, and the various twitter feeds from other clubs declared the occasion a huge success. Thanks to all Club members for their efforts in making such an enjoyable day