May Regatta 2008

The May Regatta this year was enjoyable for a number of reasons.
First, the calm, warm weather, made the racing so much more enjoyable, even with a little drizzle on the Sunday.
Second, watching Tim Brabents demonstrate so emphatically why he is the World Champion provided inspiration for us all. Our three top seniors, Tim, Lucy and Hayleigh all produced some great results, helping to progress their standings for international selection & success this year.
Apart from them and a new member, Paddy, in Mens D, and Michael in Mens B, that was about it for Nottingham Seniors.
We also had representation in the Masters classes from Tim, Pete, Mick, Rex & Ian with a string of good results for Ian & Rex in Masters A in particular, and a win for Mick in the Masters B 1000 metres.
However good any of these factors might have been though, it was the participation and successes in the Junior & Lightning classes that were the highlight of the event.

Leanna, doing her first regatta partnered with Sarah managed 3rd in the Girls D 500 metres 1st Final. Shobhanna reached the Girls D 500 metre 1st final in K1 and Alice reached the 3rd final of the 1000 metres. Ricky & Craig excelled themselves in their 2nd regatta, particularly with their win in the Boys D K2 1000 metres. Craig also produced excellent results in his K1 races.

It is hard to pick out the best Lightning performance from the club, but for me perhaps, the fact that we produced 2 full crews for the 1000 metres Under 10/Under 12 mini K4 was the most pleasurable. Well done to, Tadek, Zyggy, Ozzie, Amelia, Megan, Max, Harvey & Olivia

The support from parents also needs mention and thanks. It was great to see solidarity from parents of the older juniors at the regatta, cheering on the paddlers. The turnout by the parents of Lightning paddlers took me back to the great days of the 1970s, when NKC parents turned out in force to cheer and help at the regattas.
Paticular thanks needs to go to Julie, who organised the Nottingham Lightning paddlers, negociating with officials & sorting crews. She also managed to run up and down with the races and take a few photos.







The two Nottingham mini K4 crews on their way to 1000 metre start. Wouldn't it be great to have a couple of the boats at the club for them to train in too!




Mini K4 1000 metre start.
Photos by Julie

Full results as PDF file: http://www.bcu.org.uk/bcu/CoachingItemPDFs/upload_2147.pdf