Head of the Brisbane

 Today rowed in the Head of The Brisbane (HOB).

Crew was
1 Peter
2 Richard
3 Frank
4 Cam
5 Cookie
6 Neil
7 Chris
8 Russ
C Maddie

After we went to Cafe "Superthing" 215 Montague Rd.

We got off to a good start.  In my opinion "good" means the boat was balanced and we rowed in time and the speed was good.  As we headed up toward the Elanor Schonel bridge we overtook two crew and were chased by a Toowong crew.  As we headed up the Sommerville reach the Toowong crew ground us down and slowly passed us near the green rocks.  

We did a great handbrake turn at the turnaround mark. We came in fast.  Maddie called stroke side to lighten off and then check.  Bow side were exalted to pull hard on the oar.  The mark was right there beside us as we turned and we saw that there were lots of other boats taking wider turns. As we pulled away, we saw a grey boat called "loan market" almost crash into the bank.

We got it back together as we headed downstream.  Rounded the corner to the Sommerville reach.  We could see three eights bearing down on us.  They pounded past.  The strength of youth.  After they past, we settled in with good rythm.  past the tinne and the final marker before heading for the red buoy. As the tide was heading out, we past close to the red buoy in order to take as much advantage as possible from the outgoing tide.  Under the bridge and a supporter encouraged us on.  I think it's about 1km to the finish and we settled in.  I think the speed faded a bit but Maddie got us to refocus and the speed picked up.  A little confusion abouty the exact loaction of the finish line and then we were done.  

All in all a great race.  Again because the boat sat up and it felt like everyone put in max effort.