Cygnet Weekly Update: Monday 23rd Feb 2015

Evening,

Busy again at the boathouse over the weekend. Various outings, a learn-to-cox session that it was gratifying to see a couple of Cygnets at, and all culminating in the climax that is the Cygnet AGM on Sunday lunchtime.

Thanks to those that put themselves forward for various roles on the committee - everyone was duly elected in, and the bar bell was rung by our (alas, outgoing) Treasurer. There is still one committee place up for grabs, plus the Boathouse Exec will be convening shortly and looking for people from both clubs to take on roles, so do please consider it if you haven't already.

After the sunshine of the AGM, it seemed to rain hard for a long time, with the result that... the Tideway is currently Yellow Flagged. So exercise even more caution than usual, no inexperienced crews out on the ebb tide, no night outings without agreement of the captaincy.

This coming weekend sees two important events:

- Saturday we have a capsize drill. 4pm, St Paul's School. The response hasn't been overwhelming, and it really should be - it is immeasurably preferable that your first/ only capsize experience is in a safe environment. And it's a condition of your membership. And it'll be fun. And there's bound to be some sort of socialising afterwards.

- Sunday sees the Hammersmith Head . We've got our Mas.B and Nov crews racing, both using this as our last stepping stone to the HORR weekend at the end of March. And whilst we're on the subject, note that crews are not finalised for the HORR races weekend, so keep focusing on training and availability. That includes this week's 5k test - I've confirmed with Sue that it is very unlikely that any seats will be decided on 5k results alone - but it is rather more likely that if you don't do the test at all, you won't be in any seat!

This week

Tues - Squad Erg Night - 5k test for all, rate-capped at 28.

If you've already completed it, then second erg of this week is: 40min r20, feet out.

Also on Tues we have a planned outing of the Mas.B crew.

Thurs - circuits - 7.15 at the school.

Also on Thurs, post-training food. Anna C is cooking this week, please let her know if you'd like to stay.

Sat morning outings - crew lists to follow.

Saturday afternoon - capsize drill, 4pm, St Pauls School. Please let Neil P know that you'll be there.

Sun morning outings are likely to be affected by those racing in Hammersmith Head.

Hammersmith Head

Race starts at 12.30pm, so if you're not racing, do come along and cheer on our boats.

- Our Mas.B crew are #175

- Our Novices are #192

- BBLRC are also racing at #151 and #210

After the race many of us will decant to the bar to recount our efforts over a beer. And also to conduct the latest 300 Club draws. For those of our newer members who don't know about the 300 Club and its essential role in maintaining our fine fleet, come down and Guy or Nick B can fill you in. All your future/ nostalgic Cygnet racing exploits will have been in boats part paid for by the 300 Club.

Finally, another reminder that our Learn To Row course starts on Sun 29th March, to coincide with the Head of the River Race. I.e. just over 4 weeks away (i.e. we've only got 4 weeks until the HORR!).

D