Almost a hundred paddlers took to the River Roding on Sunday for our home race. Although it was cold, the weather was kind and conditions were good for racing. It seemed fitting that our race was the first in the calendar after the sad passing of one of our members, Steve Truglia. A moving tribute was held as everyone took a moment to remember Steve before taking to the water.
Overall it was a good day for us on the water, with podium finishes in a variety of classes. Our mixed junior K2 crew of Romeo Balla and Dannielle Clifford took their second win of the series. Also making it two wins out of two in the series was Trish True in the female GPO class.
Our JACKS weekend is done and dusted but the memories of the trip will stick with us forever. As Smurfs, Saints and Sailors walking down Western Road Friday afternoon we kept the head down and tried to ignore the odd looks we all received until we met the other 55 people who were dressed as ridiculously as we were. All in good spirit and a brilliant way to start a memorable weekend. The bus up was an enjoyable one with brilliant mingling of Oldies and freshers alike before we arrived at the hostel and got to know eachother some more over the night.
On the Saturday morning we awoke and left the hostel to paddle the Castleconnell river. This is a brilliant river for kayakers and all of the paddlers thoroughly enjoyed their spin down the river. Many fresher kayakers paddled their first ever river and did fantastically well and they were delighted to see their weeks of hard work paying off.
This year’s Hasler marathon race was a record-breaker. We had 213 competitors out on the water – more than ever before – and around 50 of them were Royal club members. That was a big showing for the home team. And they didn’t disappoint
Club Commodore Jon Boyton was first off in Division 1 K1. Racing over the 12 mile course and lining up against some of the country’s top marathon paddlers, Jon was never in for an easy race. But, with just two portages and feeling at home on the familiar water, he took victory by 2 seconds – a respectable margin for a sprint finish at this level.
Today, it was Chelmsford’s turn to host the 5th race in the Flatwater Winter Series with a fantastic turnout. Almost 150 competitors participated over 2 separate starts. Classes 13-21 with a total of 37 paddlers set off at 11am with the remaining classes setting off at 12pm.
After a freezing spell over the last week and problems with frozen locks, today was mild in comparison. The rain held off and conditions were good. The decision was made to race through the town. It was certainly interesting navigating the wash through the first part of the race!
There were a few podium finishes for us. Fortunately for me, Trish True, in the female GP, there were no portages and I achieved my 3rd Gold medal of the series and maintained my position of first place overall.
