Vice Presidents: Joanne Clark (M.82), Rupert Obholzer (M.88) & Matt Pinsent CBE (M.89)

Page created 16DEC02

Laura West, Women's Captain (Right)

Michelmas term started well for the boat club. On the first Saturday of term we held a taster day for fresher s which was very successful. Many present boatclub members turned out to coach and encourage the novices during their first outings, and by the end of the day we had sent approximately 70 students on their first trip up to the head of the river and back. We attracted more interest in rowing with rowing drinks which were held early on in term, and by second week we had a crew of girls going out regularly, coached by former captain Laura Goodsir.

Unfortunately the novices were unable to compete at the end of term as planned, due Christchurch regatta being cancelled due to the high river levels. The senior squad also enjoyed regular outings in the first five weeks of term, with about 12 women rowing several times a week. Training was geared towards Autumn Fours Head and Nepthys Regatta and Head races, in which we had hoped to enter a two fours, and a four and an 8, respectively. Disappointingly, both these events were also cancelled. Water training was impossible by 5th week, training continued however, in the OUBC training tank and in the gym, with Torpids next term very much in mind.

Catz women will be away in training camp on the tideway in 0th week of Hilary term, under the supervision of our new coach James Woodrow (Westminster). James is proceeding to make his mark upon Catz already, implementing a taxing new training programme. During training camp we will be holding preliminary seat racing trials for the first and second training torpids, as well as enjoying the sights of London. With many promising novices, dedicated senior squad members and our new coach, the women's boat club is looking forward to Hilary term and Torpids with excitement.

(didn't arrive in time to make it into the newsletter with the Men's Boat Club report)