The race was a rolling start with boats going off at approximately 15 second intervals. Our bow number was 23, which is apparantly a famous number in sporting circles, and meant we were the 23rd boat to start.
The start line was at the oxley sailing club.
We got off to a good smooth start which set the foundation for a good race. To my surprise, our cox, Maddie, announced that we were gaining on someone. This spured us on and sure enough I could hear the noise of another crew. Stroke by stroke we pull past. I'm amazed. Even more amazing, we are advised we are gaining on yet another crew. I could see a water ski boat approaching and they throw out waves. I could hear the sound of another crew and Maddie informed us it's two crews. Resisting the temptation to turn and look (such is verboten) and pulled along side the other two boats and we all rounded a marker buoy as the waves from the ski boat hit us. Maddie had put us closest to the bank. A wise choice as we were rowing against a slight incoming tide and the effect is lowest close to the bank. The bonus now was the waves from the ski boat had a little more time to flatten out before reaching us. Anyway we seemed to handle it well and pulled away from the other boats.
On we went with the boat continuing to be stable and this meant we could focus on pushing hard on our legs. Down past the aerial, then the Stockwell mansion and round the final turn. Kings college far across the river and green rocks coming up. Maddie announced we were gaining on another crew. I mused that one would think a bunch of old blokes would have mental fortitude to manage themselves but we definitely need the input of the Cox to keep us on topic. I wasn't sure if this otjer crew call was just a motivational lie to get more effort from the crew but soon we heard the panicked noise of a crew about to be overtaken. This spured us on even more and we just pipped them at the post.
After a short rest we commenced a slow controlled row back to the shed. This was memorable for it's smoothness. A great way to start the day.
Then breakfast.
Then onto Megan's house to help Jemma change a Headlight bulb. A pain as there is so little room for one's hands.
When I got home, what do you know but Chris is working on his car.
I love my kids. They are great. All 4 of them.
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