Race Report

DRAFT RACE REPORT
Six Man Canadian Canoe beats Jersey Rowers in rough conditions in London's Great River Race
http://www.greatriverrace.co.uk/

In stormy conditions which saw hail, thunder and lightning as well as might winds and rough water conditions the Six Man paddling team of Tim Rogers, Chris Nicolas, Simon Young, John Searson and Carl Clinton, expertly coxed by Rob Cassin triumphed in its class, being the first of the Jersey Boats and a close race with the best of the 18 man Dragon Boats.

The Thames Race requires rowers or paddlers to take a passenger (Sophie xxxxx) and Cox the 22mile from Tower Bridge to Richmond. The weather conditions made this years' race especially tough for the Canadian Canoe which is designed for calmer lake crossings in Canada than the turbulent conditions of the race.

We were very disappointed to have been handicapped with the rowing boats which have 8 oars in the water rather than 6 paddles; especially since the rowing boats are much more stable and easy to control, having the benefit of rudders. However we accepted our fate and were resigned to a mediocre performance, explained John Searson

However, Rob Cassin did an expert job to cox and paddle them through the many boats that had been set off ahead of them, frequently having to take evasive action to avoid accident or injury as the little boat weaved its way past 300 other boats all competing for the some stretch of water under each of the bridges.

Once we got further up-stream the weather worsened but the water was less choppy and we were able to find a quicker paddling rhythm and motivation as we started to make ground on the much faster Dragon Boats, said Carl Clinton.


CANT ADD MUCH MORE TEXT UNTIL THE RESULTS ARE AVAILABLE?!

Yeah I agree. I was just trying to make the odds sound better 5 paddlers beating 8 oars, but you are right because this is a more honest assessment of efforts especially since you probably did most of the work having to both steer and paddle! I won't submit anything because we agreed Mick T would do that. These were just some suggested words. I will however copy this to Mick T so that he knows to write about 6 paddlers. I don't think we can submit anything until the results are know, but hopefully that will be soon. Thanks for a great weekend and all the training sessions leading up to it. looking forward to paddling and rowing through the autum and winter!
 

More Information at http://www.greatriverrace.co.uk/about.php

Packing and Preparation List

TO DO LIST FOR THIS WEEKEND
◦ Plan gpx route
print briefing pack
◦ Get cash
◦ Garmin sim card loaded with map data

CANOE PACKING LIST
◦ hat, gloves, glasses
◦ Food carrier, water bottles, fuel + gells
◦ camel+Back-pack
◦ top and shorts
◦ shoes
◦ Waterproof
◦
TRAVEL / HILL WALKING PACKING LIST
◦ 3 x tops 3 x shorts 1 x trousers
◦ Flip flops & adventure shoes (incl waterproof socks)
◦ Run kit & trainers
◦ glasses
◦ Waterproof + hat + gloves
◦ Map + Compass + whistle
◦ Head torch
◦ Rack-sac
◦ Wash kit + lenses + glasses

ADMIN
◦ Documents, passport, insurance, drive licence, maps
◦ Passport 622069801 / pc4866089
◦ Books to read
◦ Google route + Garmin


ELECTRICS
◦ Cigarette power, solar power, 4 adaptor
◦ 2xPhones, 2 x garmins, (lots of aaa batteries) 1 x paper maps
◦ Ipod for music
Speakers for Ipod
itrip to connect to car radio
power-monkey powersource


CAMP TRAVEL KIT
◦ Sleep bag + kip map + tent
eye covers
◦ Stove + fuel + pans + food
◦ Food, psp22, gells
◦ Matches
◦ Lighter
◦ KFS

Race Instructions

PREPARATION

If you have not already viewed the Guidance Notes, you must do so now at http://www.greatriverrace.co.uk/text_files/Guidance%20Notes%202011.pdf You then should draw them to the attention of every crew member, printing off copies if necessary.

You must know your four digit entry number – OURS IS Team Jersey GRR E 3169

flying a flag with minimum dimensions 3ft x 2ft

FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

We are on the clipper departing 21:10. Check in is 1 hour before.
We have only managed to secure one cabin.
So we have 4 bunks and 3 reclining chairs booked.


SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER

BOAT ARRANGEMENTS

You will not be allowed to Race without first registering your boat and attending Scrutineering. On Saturday, a maximum of two crew members must come to the Registration and Scrutineering desks at Millwall between 10.20 and 12.20.

You will be given a Race number and clamp which must be attached firmly to the bow of your boat

After registering your crew, you must collect your GPS tracker. The team at this desk will have full instructions on this.

RACE ARRANGEMENTS

If you plan to launch from Millwall Slipway, you can launch, as directed, by trailer down the trackway at all states of the tide or unassisted from the slipway as the tide comes in.


CAMPING ARRANGEMENTS

The campsite is located at Thames Young Mariners, Riverside Drive,Ham, TW10 7RX. Please note that cars are NOT allowed on site, campervans and motorhomes by prior arrangement only.

If you have booked campsite tickets for Friday evening, please Pre-Register your boat. This will take place on Friday evening and will save you time on Saturday.

We have pre-registered at the campsite (Team Jersey GRR E 3169) you may go straight to the Pre-Registered desk.


SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER

Returning is from Poole on Sunday 18th at 1440, arriving Jersey at 18:10