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June 2002

28 June

Henley qualifiers bring early exit for Edinburgh Uni - and some tough draws for other Scottish crews: Friday's qualifying races saw Edinburgh University miss the cut, leaving Glasgow University (who did not have to qualify) as Scotland's sole representatives in the Temple. Aberdeen University and George Watson's College both qualified safely in the Britannia and Fawley respectively.

The full draw is now up on the HRR web site: in the first round:

• Aberdeen University have drawn Harvard University in the Visitors
• Aberdeen University have drawn Isis A in the Britannia
• George Watson's College have drawn Tiffin School and Walton in the Fawley
• Glasgow University have drawn Abingdon School in the Temple

Aberdeen Asset win Aberdeen Intercompany Regatta: today also saw 36 crews compete in the annual intercompany event organised by Aberdeen Boat Club. A very happy event with good racing. The crew from Aberdeen Asset Management won the final over Genesis Oil and Gas.

27 June

National Rowing Championships in Scotland - make the most of it!: as most will know, the National Rowing Championships of Great Britain are to be held this year at Strathclyde Park from 18-20 July (the Friday is junior heats day, senior events don't start until Saturday). Obviously it's more convenient for Scottish crews to compete when the Champs are here - and should be a matter of pride to us that there should be an extra-strong Scottish entry in years when we host the event.

Check the Nat Champs web site for the full spread of events: there is an easy-to-use online entry system.

'Scotland Select' entries for National Rowing Championships: a note from the team manager: "The IRC would like to encourage all selected Scotland crews to enter relevant events at the National Rowing Championships - especially those crews that have not raced together yet. If for club and/or sitting crew reasons athletes feel unable to do this, it will not affect selection. But it must be emphasised that it is crucial for new combinations to race together before HIR. It is the responsibility of clubs to make club entries, obviously. Would team coaches please let team manager Tom Baker know which HIR crews they wish to enter for the Nat Champs along with license numbers of athletes, by Wednesday 2nd July. These crews will be entered as club composites."

Re-live Henley Women's Regatta on video: RowTV have clips of most of the Sunday races.

26 June

Castle Semple moves to Strathclyde Park: the Scotland team seat trial/crew formation event scheduled for this weekend at Castle Semple has been moved to Strathclyde Park and now starts at 0900. The event is now one day only (Saturday) and will otherwise follow broadly the format in the team manager's earlier e-mail to invited athletes/coaches.

A look ahead to Henley Royal Regatta: Five scottish club crews have entered at Henley this year, with three of these having to go through the qualifying time trial tomorrow (crews suffixed 'Q' here). Edinburgh University (Q) and Glasgow University have both entered the Temple Challenge Cup (eights), while Aberdeen University has crews in the Visitors' Challenge Cup (coxless fours) and in the Britannia Challenge Cup (Q) (coxed fours). George Watson's College (Q) have an entry in the Fawley Challenge Cup (junior quadruple sculls).

The overall entry this year totals 494 crews - a significant increase on last year's 446 entries. There are 110 overseas crews from 15 different nations competing.

Tomorrow's qualifiers start at 4.00pm and run through until 8.10pm. The results will come up on the Henley Royal Regatta web site.

25 June

Take a 2KV for a test-drive: 2KV have arranged to have a 60kg eight at the National Rowing Academy through until the National Rowing Championships in July. Anybody in Scottish Rowing who would like to use the boat should contact Callum Macdonald - especially any crew who would like to use the boat in the Championships themselves.

No BIC yet but want to do an RIC? Not a problem. A correction to yesterday's notice about the RIC course in Aberdeen in August: it is not necessary for candidates for the RIC course to hold a BIC. Full details and the application form here.

Racking available at Strathclyde Park: some racks have become available in the National Rowing Academy bays at Strathclyde Park, available on weekly, monthly or quarterly rentals. Contact Callum Macdonald for details.

24 June

Scotland squad kit orders: athletes and coaches who have been selected for the Scotland Team for the Home International Regatta in Cork have already been e-mailed by the team manager. They should also have received a kit order form: if any selected athlete or coach has not received their order form, they should contact Alison Harrison (urgently), to who the forms must be returned by Sunday 29th June (e-mail) or Monday 30th June (post).

Calling all current and potential coaches!

The SARA Coaching Register is being updated: all currently registered coaches MUST complete and return this registration form by 7th July if they want to remain on the coaching register (and to receive course/coaching information from SARA). A copy of the current coaching register is here for information

An SARA Rowing Instructor Course (RIC) is to be held in Aberdeen on 2-3 and 9-10 August, based in the Aberdeen Schools RA boathouse. The course (applications close 17 July) is open to holders of a BIC wanting to progress or to holders of other qualifications keen to update their knowledge/skills. Full details and an application form here.

Henley Royal Regatta full list of entries and qualifying information are now up. Total entries are well up this year, with a healthy crop of Scottish competitors to look out for too.

Results from the Marlow Regatta (sometimes contains possible form indicators for HRR?)

22 June - from Henley Women's Regatta

1525: Aberdeen University are Women's Henley Champions. From an early stage, there was little doubt as to the outcome of this Lightweight Coxless Fours final. Aberdeen University took an early lead over Grosvenor and consistently out-rated them over the course. By the Barn, Aberdeen (37) led Grosvenor (34 1/2) by 1 1/2 lengths - extending this to 2 lengths by the boat racks in the enclosure.

At Upper Thames, Aberdeen University still rated 36 over Grosvenor's 34 and had a lead of 2 1/2 lengths before settling for a 2 1/4 length win on the line in 5 min 43 secs. The Aberdeen University crew were Alex Bonsall, Nikki Dinsmore, Ruth Hobson and Liz Macintosh, coached by Gary Bain.

1515: Aberdeen/Semple just squeezed out by Marlow. Conditions had dulled and the headwind strengthened as the crews went to the start for the final of Club Quad Sculls. Coming through the car parks Aberdeen/Semple held a tiny lead rating 36 over Marlow (35). But as they approached the Barn, Marlow drew level and then, just before the start of the enclosure, took a 1/4 length lead.

Passing the boat racks Marlow (35) led Aberdeen (34) by 1/2 length - just as Aberdeen began to raise their rating and push back. At Upper Thames, Aberdeen/Semple raised their rating again and closed Marlow's lead to 1/3 length. But this was as close as it got: at the line, Marlow (stroked by 2002 Scotland Commonwealth team member Lorna Ferguson) won by 1/2 length in 5:25. The Aberdeen/Semple quad were Elaine Law, Clare Haley, Fiona Insch and Maeve Cunningham, coached by Russ Haley.

1300: Myles goes out to devastating early push from Page: Kirsty Myles (George Watson's) and Natasha Page (Gloucester) found their race scheduled in an increasing headwind. Page took full advantage of the relatively sheltered water by the island to take a 1 length lead into which Myles was unable to make later headway once out of the lee of the island. Within 500m of the start, both scullers had dropped their rating to 23 and were drawing heavily into the headwind. Page continued to draw away slowly, building a 3 length lead by half distance and holding this to the finish.

1130: Aberdeen University show class to go through in LW 4-: Aberdeen University took this one by the scruff of the neck off the start, jumping to a 1/2 length lead over Mortlake Anglian and Alpha by the end of the island. As the crews emerged into the open water there was a worrying moment as Aberdeen University were repeatedly warned for their steering. This settled, however, and the University were able to continue to build on their lead.

By the car park, Aberdeen Uni led by 1 1/2 lengths and had settled to a rating of 36. Mortlake seemed to be labouring with heavier gearing. By the top of the enclosures, the lead had grown to 2 1/2 lengths and to 3 lengths, still rating 36, by the boating area in the enclosures.

Approaching the finish, Aberdeen University dropped their rating to 35 and won by 2 lengths in 5:24. They race Grosvenor in the final, Grosvenor having won the earlier, slower semi.

What does a St Andrew girl do when she's been knocked out at Henley? She paints her nails of course! Thanks to Mairi Torrie for the photo. Anybody who's at the regatta with a digital camera, I'd welcome pix in the press tent next to the weigh-in.

By the enclosures, however, the lead had changed hands, Belvoir Zurich (36) now 4-5 feet up on Glasgow Clydesdale (35 1/2). Glasgow pushed hard coming to the end of the enclosures - not lifting the rating, but hardening the finishes and lengthening in the water.

As the crews approached the line, Glasgow Clydesdale were unable to make progress into the small lead which Belvoir Zurich had by now held for almost half the race. Belvoir Zurich won by 1/4 length in 5:29 - a time which was 7 seconds faster than the other semi final.

1045: Aberdeen/Castle Semple are Scotland's first finalists of this year's Women's Henley: Henley Rowing Club out-rated the Aberdeen composite 46-43 off the start and took an early marginal lead. However as the start patterns completed at the end of the island, both crews settled to 40 and were level. At the car park, Henley had a canvass lead, both crews rating 36, a lead which Henley increased to 1/2 length at the Barn. At this point Aberdeen dropped their rating to 35 but lengthened in the water and started to push back at Henley (36) and as the crews passed regatta control in the enclosures Aberdeen/Semple had a lead of 3/4 length and increasing. At the end of the enclosures, Aberdeen/Semple (34) led Henley (35 1/2) by 1 length.

At the end of the enclosures, Henley were sprinting to try to get back, but Aberdeen/Semple continued to build the lead to 2 lengths by Upper Thames boathouse. In the closing stages, Aberdeen/Semple (34) led Henley (37) to the line by 1 length in 5:13. They race Marlow, who won their semi in 5:12, in the final.

Things to do when you've been knocked out of Women's Henley: look back in a wee while for a corking picture of what St Andrew got up to after they got knocked out. Just now I've got to go watch the quads race . . .

Scotland Men's Team event today cancelled: a note overnight from team manager Tom Baker that this trail/crew formation event at the Park has been cancelled due to too many other competing events at the same time - apologies that I've only just received it in the last few minutes so couldn't publish sooner (but I gather the athletes were e-mailed direct).

21 June - from Henley Women's Regatta

1735: Myles safe through in Schools/Junior single sculls. Kirsty Myles of George Watson's College was cruising confidently in her 1st round of Junior 1x this afternoon. By half distance Myles had a 2 length lead over Baldry over St Peters School York. At the finish, Kirsty Myles won by 3 lengths in 6 min 13 secs.

That's the last race with Scottish involvement today. Tomorrow sees Aberdeen BC off at 1030 in Club 4x and Glasgow/Clydesdale at 1040 in Open 2x. These, with the Aberdeen University Lwt 4- (1120 am) and Kirsty Myles (in School/Junior 1x at 1250) are the last remaining Scottish crews in the regatta - but it's more than this time last year.

1655: Aberdeen sprint ahead, but stronger Scullers draw through: Aberdeen BC (R 46) sprinted to an early lead over Tideway Scullers (R41) in Club 4s however, by the top of the island both crews were at 38 and racing on level terms. At the car parks, TSS (38) had a fractional lead over ABC (36.5), which they gradually eased out to 3/4 length as they approached the Barn. At the boating area, TSS (36) led ABC (33.5) by 2L, which they sustained to Upper Thames (TSS 32, ABC 34.5). At the finish, TSS won by 3 Lengths in the fastest time in the event so far.

1650: Aberdeen University go through on a row over: in Lwt 4-, Aberdeen University's opposition from 1st & 3rd Trinity/Newham failed to appear at the start. AUBC rowed over to progress, but did some useful work on the course despite the lack of oppo.

1610: Edinburgh University go out to late reversal by Mass.: Edinburgh University led University of Massachusetts B by the top of the island, and had a 1 length lead by the car parks. However Massachusetts played a later game and, by the enclosures, had hauled this back to a 1/2 length deficit. Pushing hard into the closing stages, Massachusetts continued to reel in EUBC, winning the race by a canvass at the line.

1530: Scotland Team Selection News: just catching up with e-mails while I have been out of contact at Henley, this from Scotland team manager, Tom Baker: "The following Athletes are invited to the next stage of the selection process, in the following combinations:- MEN 22nd June 2003 Strathclyde Park. A. Warnock (1X,2X), K. Watson (2X,4X), I. Lewis (4X), J. Logan (4X), H. Westwood (4X, Lwt4-), T. Hanna (Lwt1X, Lwt4-), N. MacRae (2-, Lwt4-), D. McNeill (2-, Lwt4-), G. Shaw T.B.A. (depends on GB selection), K. Wright Cox. Coaches: G. Warnock 4X, 2X, 1X, C. Simpson 2-, Lwt4-, Lwt1X. Women 28th June Castle Semple: J. Beck (4+), L. Dick (2X, 4X), C. Graveling (Lwt1X, 4X), J. Grewar (4+), C. Haley (1X, 2-), A. Hinds (4-), R. Hobson (4-), A. Hulme (4X), F. Hunter (4+), F. Insch (2-), M. Jowitt (4-), N. McGuire (4-), E. MacIntosh (4-), B. Moffat (4+), A. Ord (2, 4X), C. Gorton Cox, A. Mair Cox, J. Wherrett Cox. Coaches: J. Collier 4+, R. Haley 1X, 2-, G. Warnock 2X , G. Bain 4-, D. Nolan 4X, Lwt1X (TBA). Training/Crew Formation: The men's on 22.6.03 at Strathclyde Park will be mainly a training day with some timed pieces. The Women's on 28.6.03 at Castle Semple will be mainly a training day with some timed pieces, but the 4- will be racing for seats. Any questions please email Tom Baker or phone him at 01463 741301 or 07970491755"

"Heriots Cox Struck Dumb": Heriots have lost a cox box which was removed from the 'in' pontoons at Strathclyde Park during Scottish Championships - it follows that somebody, somewhere, has gone home with one cox box more than they started with. If it's you/your club, could you please contact Bob Neill (see contacts page, under George Heriots School) to arrange return to the rightful owner.

1415 hrs: Aberdeen through in Club 4s (BT line now fully up so I can do 'nearly live' race reports): this was an excellent race between Aberdeen BC and Thames RC 'A'. Aberdeen took a 3/4 length lead by the top of the island, with Aberdeen rating 37 and Thames 36. By the car park, Aberdeen had settled to 36 with Thames now 37 - but Aberdeen's lead out to a full length. At the enclosures, Aberdeen (35) looked confident leading Thames (36) by 1 1/2 L, although a warning for steering as Aberdeen started their last push seemed to put ABC off their stride for a few strokes. They drew out, however, to a 2 length win.

1400 hrs: More superb racing conditions, though the breeze (such as it is) can’t quite make up its mind whether to settle to a head or tail.

First Scottish interest today is the Glasgow/Clydesdale double scull of Ailie Ord and Lindsay Dick, racing University of Bristol. The result of this was never in doubt, with the Scots taking an early lead and building to an ‘easily’ verdict.

In Schools & Junior coxed fours, Heriots drew St Neots/Star Club, the crew which beat them (St Neots silver, Heriots bronze) in the National Schools Regatta Championship Coxed Fours. Unfortunately, history repeated itself, with Heriots going out by 1 length.

In Club Quad Sculls, Aberdeen/Castle Semple had a bye in the first round and raced Rob Roy this lunchtime in the second. Aberdeen cruised to a 3 length win in the fastest time in the event so far, but there is also a Marlow quad entered (other half of the draw) which has so far looked to be keeping a lot in reserve.

In the 2nd round of Open 2x, Glasgow/Clydesdale allowed Reading/Rob Roy an early advantage before sculling through them to take the verdict by 2 lengths.

20 June - from Henley Women's Regatta

Henley Women's Regatta: apologies for slow reporting on Friday's races. Our (ABC 8) race was switched to last of the day so I had a clash of priorities (and the regatta's press line was down anyway). Conditions on Friday are superb: clear skies, sunshine and a gentle crosswind - except that this is a bit gusty round the island making alignment at the start awkward.

First Scottish crew racing were Robert Gordon University, making their first appearance at the regatta in college fours: just their luck to draw one of the strongest universities in British rowing, Oxford Brookes. The RGU novices rowed boldly, but were beaten by 5 lengths.

Aberdeen BC had a steady rather than spectacular first round against Newcastle University in club 4s: they took an early 1/4 length at the end of the island and progressively built this to 2 lengths at the finish.

St Andrew BC had a real ding-dong battle with City of Peterborough A in club 4s, but it was Peterborough who went through by 1 1/4 lengths at the finish.

Glasgow Uni Ladies drew Dartmouth Coll (USA) in College 8s and battled hard against the rather larger American crew. Dartmouth go through, 1 1/2 lengths.

Edinburgh University had a very different race against University College London. For once the coach's verdict of 'we stomped on them' was actually an accurate description - the Edinburgh crew were rating 24 as they paddled through the enclosures en route to their 'easily' verdict.

Aberdeen BC's third crew at the regatta faced Mortlake Anglian and Alpha in Club eights, MAA having already won at both Docklands and Met regattas. The verdict in favour of MAA was 'easily', with MAA looking well placed for a 'run' in the event.

18 June

17 June

Iain McCallum and Daniel Prescott of Glasgow RC and Stirling RC; Scottish Champions in J14 double sculls. (Photo by a family member)

Aberdeen BC/RGUBC's Scottish Champions in Women's Nov 8s: from stroke Kirsty McDonald, Amanda Hare, Jo Budd, Sarah Taig, Sarah Bearn, Jennifer Gilmour, Ruth Maxwell and Heather McDonald (cox: Alison Aiken)(photo: Lyndsay Brackenbury)

Events this weekend: north of the border it's Nithsdale Regatta - haven't seen a draw yet (can anyone send me one?), but heard them getting good plugs in commentary at Scottish Championships so hopefully they will have a good entry.

Meanwhile south of the border it's Henley Women's Regatta, with a healthy crop of Scottish entries. Full details on the Henley Women;s Regatta web site, (and I'll be there reporting all 3 days of the regatta from the 'Scottish perspective' on this web site).

Look out for Scottish competitors in:

College 4+: Robert Gordon University. Open 1x: Alison Hulme (St Andrew). Club 4+: Aberdeen BC, St Andrew BC. Lightweight 4-: Aberdeen University. Club 8: Aberdeen BC. College 8: Glasgow University, Edinburgh University. Open 2x: Glasgow RC/Clydesdale ARC. School/Junior 4+: George Heriot's School. Club 4x: Aberdeen BC/Castle Semple RC. School/Junior 1x: Kirsty Myles (George Watson's College)

16 June

Brilliant photos from Charlie Simpson of Aberdeen University: above, their winning Men's 8 receive the trophy from SARA President Mary Massaro (time was 5:59.6). Crew: Neil Macrae, Colin Binnie, Ben Lambert, Andreas von Pacinsky und Tenczin, Colin Williamson, Nick Bird, Tom Hanna, Dave McNeill, Kate Wright (cox). Below: the 'heavy four' from the eight power towards their win in Men's Coxed Fours (the 'light' four won the coxless event).

Clydesdale ARC's men's veteran fours champions: Duncan Paterson, Mike Williamson, Owen McGhee and Andy Dunn (photo from Andy - did the cox take it?)

Scottish Women's 8s Champions, Castle Semple/Aberdeen BC/Aberdeen University BC: Elaine Law, Maeve Cunningham, Fiona Insch, Clare Haley, Fiona Hunter, Jill Beck, Alison Aitken and Melina Bardellotto. (photo: Andy Dunn)

Results for Saturday and Sunday are now here.

Many thanks to the many competitors who volunteered spare time to act as stake-boat and timing assistants: with your help, the regatta ran on time.

Thanks to Andy Dunn and Charlie Simpson for the photos so far: anyone got more they'd be prepared to allow on the web site? Please e-mail to me ASAP.

Friday 13th June (scary thought!)

Change to women's lightweight sweep trial arrangements: I've been asked to publish this modification to the weigh-in requirement for the women's trial at Scot Champs "The SARA IRC reminds women's senior lightweight sweep trialists, who are required to race in the W 2- event at Scottish Championships this weekend and who are not racing in any Lwt event, that to fulfil the requirement of the trial they must weigh in for the event at or under 59kg anytime before 1hr previous to their 2- heat."

12 June

Got Broadband? Get THIS! Smartest piece of club promo I've seen: full video by Dundee Uni BC - just don't try getting this file unless you have broadband!

Lightweight women's sweep trial: the SARA IRC reminds women's senior lightweight sweep trialists, who are required to race in the W 2- event at Scottish Championships this weekend, that to fulfil the requirement of the trial they must weigh in for the event in the same way as would have been required for a normal lightweight race (i.e. 1-2 hours before their heat).

10 June

Scotland wins bid for 2005 Masters (Mike Rosewell, The Times), Strathclyde Park to stage world regatta (Mike Haggerty, the Herald).

9 June

New umpires qualify: congratulations to Scotland's two newest umpires who qualified at the weekend, Martin Holmes of Castle Semple RC and Ron Wallace of Aberdeen BC

Coaching awards to harmonise across the UK: SARA, the ARA and WARA have concluded an agreement whish will see a common coaching award structure and standards across the three countries, resulting in full mutual recognition of awards. One new feature will be a requirement for coaches to undertake 'refresher training' to keep their skills up to date.

The first step is the establishment of a complete current coaching register: all coaches practicing in Scotland must register with Callum Macdonald as soon as possible.

The draw for Henley Women's Regatta is now up

5 June

Scotland to host FISA World Masters Regatta in 2005: FISA, the governing body of world rowing, today announced that the World Masters Regatta for 2005 has been awarded to Strathclyde Park, North Lanarkshire.

"Bringing the FISA World Masters Regatta to Strathclyde Park in 2005 is the high point of a brilliant partnership between the Scottish Amateur Rowing Association, North Lanarkshire Council and the representative body of British International Rowing, the ARA," says SARA president, Mary Massaro.

"Together, we presented a package comprising outstanding technical facilities, a stunning venue, an experienced regatta team and a welcoming host community."

The FISA World Masters is the world's largest rowing regatta. It attracts competitors from all over the world each year, many of whom bring their families - and valuable tourist business - to the host area.

Scotland has an exceptional track record in hosting world-class rowing events. Strathclyde Park, Scotland's international rowing course, hosted the Commonwealth Games rowing events in 1986, the FISA World Masters Regatta in 1988, and the FISA World Rowing Championships in 1996. In 2003, the course will host the Scottish and Scottish Schools Rowing Championships on 14-15 June and the National Rowing Championships of Great Britain on 18-20 July.

Di Ellis, Chairman of the ARA, said "This is wonderful news: Scotland on behalf of Great Britain put together a first class bid and, following the success of the 1996 World Rowing Championships at Strathclyde Park, I know they will host a world class event second to none"

The Strathclyde Park course will see significant upgrade in time for the FISA World Masters in 2005: the most noticeable change will be the extension of the 2000m course from 6 lane to 8 lane width.

3 June

Above: Old Dogs and New Tricks: St Andrew lead Heriot-Watt/Dundee University in men's eights. Left: Communication: John MacDougall and Mike Coane keep the information flowing as fast as the races. Below: Close racing near the finish in a heat of M J14 2x (the event was ultimately won by Nithsdale).

Entries for Scottish and Scottish Schools Rowing Championships have now closed: the draw will be published on this web site this weekend.

Walter Scott Edinburgh/Glasgow University Boat Race: Glasgow University have reports, photos and some video of their event on their web site.

Lightweight Men's Single for sale, plus blades and a selection of roof racks (honest): see sales and wants for details.

2 June

Don't miss the entry date for Scottish Rowing Championships! Full details via the yellow panel on the right. Entries close 5.00pm tomorrow, Tuesday - no late entries will be accepted.

Seeking Semple results: I haven't managed to track these down yet - can anyone out there send me a copy or a URL to link to? Conditions were superb at the start of racing, but a difficult headwind cut up the loch later on. Everybody laughed off the soakings as the waves broke over their riggers, though, and a good time was had by all. The event included my first sighting of a race for mixed coxless pairs (allegedly staged as the result of a 'dare' at a Hogmanay party!).

Press links from the World Cup regatta in Milan: "Pinsent and Cracknell well below their best" (Mike Rosewell, The Times), "Coxless pair short on power" (Rachel Quarrell, Daily Telegraph), "Bishop’s decision to come out of retirement pays off for Grainger" (Mike Haggerty, The Herald).

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