Folkestone Rowing Club Deal, Walmer & Kingsdown Regatta report 2008
Choppy Seas at Deal
The summer seems to be rushing by with few regattas rowed. Re-scheduling seems to have become the norm. As pointed out to me at Deal Regatta, this would have been the second to last regatta under the original regatta schedule with most championships already won. Not so this time!
Some thought that Deal regatta committee was mad to try and hold the event. The forcast for the day was south-West winds gusting up to a possible force 7! We are all well aware that Deal is on the east coast of Kent and as such is protected from the full force of the SW winds. The winds at times moved more to the South making the sea rougher but even so I think that most were glad to be at another regatta.
Herne Bay had there visitors from Datellen, Germany over. This swelled the numbers of the senior Fours so the regatta started off with the heats. A Few sinkings early on gave them a taste of what the conditions on the sea could be like! The Folkestone Veteran A crew qualifying in the second heat for the final later in the day.
Looking on from the pier a lone swimmer coud be seem struggling against the tide. The effort that he was putting in looked like he should be moving fairly well but the strong current against him kept him exactly where he started! The tide played a part in the proceedings throught day.
Sally and Sophie were up early on in the Senior Ladies pairs. They started brightly and were in contention at the front of the field. The hard slog against the tide to the first set of turns 700 metres away saw Bexhill, Deal and them pull away from the others in the field. The viewers around me felt that th Folkestone crew looked the better pair technically and thought that they might prevail but alas the turn didnt go to plan. The Folkestone pair not fully aware of the full tide turned a bit early and were swept away from the turn and had to go back for a second. Bexhill and Deal in the meantime were round and away and running with the tide to the second turns. There would be no catching them now. It showed how well the Folkestone pair had rowed as they were still easily in third after going back for the turn. As the first three crews past the start mark heading for the short second turn the backmarkers were still at the far end negotiating the turn.
At the finish Folkestone crossed in third place. Better luck next time!
The junior Ladies crew of Lesley, Nikki, Aggie, Lois and cox Emily started well and were quickly of the start line. They raced to the turn in contention with the leaders and came away in second place. They chased the Bexhill crew down past the start line, round the second turn and back to the finish but were unable to overtake them.
It was an improvement on Folkestone Regatta where they were third. Well Done Ladies!
The Mens Senior four final came with the Folkestone Vets lining up with the other qualifiers. As usual the seniors were back an forth on the start line jostling for position while the starter tried to get a straight line.
The crews reached the first set of turns, Bexhill and Herne Bay accompanied by the Germans from Datellen leading the way. As they raced by the start heading for th second turn the German crew had the upper hand with Bexhill and Herne Bay about a length behind. Deal on there home water couldnt make an impact on these three with the othr Bexhill crew and Folkestone vets behind them.
The crowd on the beach closly following te action at the second turn 300 metres away. The German crew came out first with Bexhill and Herne Bay neck and neck. Herne Bay rowed away from Bexhill trying to catch the Germans but to no avail.
About an hour later it was time for the veteran race. Matt being unavailable was replaced by Simon who slotted in the three seat. Steve, Tim, Simon and cox Nathan completing the crew. The full B crew was available for their first regatta of the season. The cancellations having played havoc with there arrangements. The crew of Terry, Martin, Dave, Chris and there new coxswain Patrick lining up with eagerness.
The race start with the usual jostling for places, they are seniors after all! The flag went down and the B crew were out of the blocks and away gaining a length at the start closely followed by the A crew on the outside. The contenders reached the turns, Folkestone A having gained the advantage on the way down were a few lengths in front with the Eastbourne just pipping Folkestone B to the turn.
As the crews came back past the crowds on the beech Folkestone A had built a commanding lead. The B crew chasing Eastbourne about a length down for the second place. Folkestone A turned and were away before the other arrived. Eastbourne just beating Folkestone by a length to turn second.
The final positions didnt change between the second turn and the finish line. Folkestone A winning with there usual style dispite a change of crew to make it three wins to worthings one in the race for the championship. With Eastbourne and Folkestone B getting the second and third spots the Folkestone A crew are well away in the selection points.
It was also a great result for the veteran B crew. The did not expect to be within the first three and also gained some great experiance with there new coxswain.
Well Done to both Crews!!
Next up was the Mens Novice sculls. Having won the viking sheild Craig was hoping to compete at Folkestone Regatta and try and win there but due to the re-arrangement he was away. At Deal he had high hopes of doing well and had shown his prowess in the earlier heats by comming home first easily.
The time for the final had arrived. Talking to Craig he was quite please that the sea had calmed down from earlier. The wind having gone back to the south west. Once underway the two winners of the heats, Craig and Liam from Dover lead the field to the turns. Craig turned first and lead the field back past the start post. Father Paul was one of the judges and quietly urged his son on. Craig looked to be tiring but was raised by the cheers from the Folkestone contingent on the beech. Paul was pleased that no close calls were required as Craig crossed the line first.
Well Done Craig!!
Senior Men's Pairs: Marc and Craig
