A day out in the Helford Estuary.
What a ridiculous way to spend a weekend, and what joy as a result.
A large proportion of the valiant group of your rowing colleagues met at the Helston Premier Inn and
indulged on a feast of onion rings and assorted nosh to fuel ourselves for the next day, then as highly
trained athletes a relatively early night was had by all.
Due to the late start of the rowing a lie in and late breakfast was indulged, where full advantage of the
all-you-can-eat buffet was taken. Some taking FULL advantage…
The able towing crew having delivered the boat into the helpful hands of the locals the night before,
all we had to do was stroll down to the beach to get ready to row. The wait involved yet more food as
the nerves began to rise. An excellent spread provided by the local club, traditional bacon baps &
excellent soup, was augmented by an enormous quantity of Lou’s brownies.
At this stage you’re probably thinking ‘did they actually get around to some rowing or was this just a
culinary jaunt’ well we did and it was great.
Winter had returned to the Helford estuary so a wise decision by the organisers meant a change of
course. All the races would be a pleasant row further up the estuary, down wind, to the start line. Then
a charge upwind and into the choppy water, squally light showers entertaining all the while. The
millpond we’re used to rowing on in Bristol this was not – it was going to be fun. Swapping crews
(and in some cases legs) was a hectic crowded affair where the potential for damage to boat, body, and
spirit was high, but through hard work and sacrifice that was avoided.
The first race our brave adventures took part in was the WSVs – some words from Becky… “The race
for could best be described as ‘valuable learning’. Boats pushed the line and a frustrated starter
repeatedly hauled them into start again. Unfortunately the cross wind resulted in us becoming
impeded by the starters boat; the subsequent disentanglement lead to more of a whimper than a roar, a
far cry from that intended but both Lesley as cox and the crew kept their heads! Having got into our
stride we started to make our way up the field, passing a number of both Masters and Vets crews.
Unfortunately with a field like that we were unable to make ground against our opposing SuperVets teams.
Certainly not a wasted day, roll on Appledore.” Great work Becky, Karen, Suzanne, Klara, Lisa, and Lucy.
What soon followed for this correspondent was a frenzied few hours of coxing, rowing, coxing, and
rowing, as the Open and Womens A teams had two races each. Corrina had the same afternoon, but
started by rowing.
The start line was crowded again, all boats trying to gather up at the southern end for best advantage
in the wind. Oars overlapping at this point could have lead to discontent between boats but we all
seemed to understand the game and whilst assertive manoeuvring was done all seemed good natured;
something this cox particularly enjoyed.
And they’re off!
Women A first, a great start, a gut-wrenching effort from all. Barbara and Corrina in the bow, Lou and
Jenni in the middle, Lesley and Georgina at the blunt end. Nobody shirked their responsibility and all
pushed hard all the way, and boy did it feel like a long way. The last ⅓ of the course was swelly and
choppy with a fairly strong headwind, crossing the line a blessed relief.
Back to the beach for a quick turnaround, this correspondent turning from cox to #2 oar, up there with
Jonathan, John and Charlie (a muscular ringer brought in last minute) in the middle, Sean and Simon
B in stroke. Again it was all in for the whole course, great effort by a crew who hadn’t met before, we
felt strong and rowed well (better check that bit with Corrina) we’re not used to waves, but we did ok,
not too shabby.
And repeat… back to the beach quick turnaround, Corrina now rowing me coxing. At this changeover
there was I admit a moment of stern raised voice from this cox as a few rocks got closer and closer;
generally a behaviour to be avoided, but when finally away from the beach in open water apologies
were given, understanding gleaned, and calmer nerves returned. Phew!
The course was shorter now, but the wind and the waves had sprung up. We got muscled out of the
best spot at the line, but still had a good start. A punishing race ensued, we took Alice, Alice came
back, we took other boats, other boats took us. Blimey it’s nerve wracking. It felt longer than the first,
so glad it was over.
But it wasn’t ! Back for another changeover, Corrina and I swapping places again for the last race of
the day. Again a similar experience of holding boats back, taking some and being taken.
Back to the beach straight onto the trailer in double quick time and Mischief was whisked away up the
hill by Helford crews. She’d performed well, deciding to be helpful and keep our feet dry for a
change. It takes a lot of effort by a club to organise an event like that in very confined space; hats off
to Helford for a great day.
We don’t need to look too closely at the results, the Open and Womens A crew were recently thrown
together, the WSV’s mixed as well, our preferred smooth water was absent and we were competing
against the best in the world.
It’s a long way for a relatively short amount of rowing. The organising (herding cats?) is pressured and
takes effort, the pay off come in the teamwork, the camaraderie, the fun, the good-natured
competition, and the brownies – that’s what we won at on the banks of the Helford on Saturday. I
came away buzzing. Looking forward to the Big Scillys in May.
Simon.
(Did I mention how heroic the coxes were?)
Bristol Gig Club 