Torpids 2007

• No racing due to a high stream
• Originally scheduled for 28 Feb – 3 March.

• Review from the 2007 Eights Programme

  The winter of 2006/2007 was disrupted continually by heavy rainfall and a resultant high river and stream. Much of the Michaelmas and Hilary terms were spent with the river under a red flag, meaning that no rowing was allowed, or with outings restricted to senior crews. Despite this, three of five scheduled Isis Winter League head races were able to go ahead, giving the crews some racing experience. The local external races were equally disrupted, with Wallingford Head and Henley Head cancelled.

  Bedford Head, normally a good indicator of Torpids form did occur, abeit over a shortened course and in fickle conditions. The fastest time by a college crew was recorded by Pembroke, with Oriel and St Anne's in hot pursuit. In the Women's divisions a strong field was led by Oriel, a single second ahead of Queen's.

  With some exciting racng in prospect, the rain continued to fall as Torpids approached. A brief break in the clouds for a couple of days offered some hope, and crews were able to 'row on' on the preceding Friday. Various alternatives to racing were offered up in case the forecasts were correct, with many rowers relieved that the captains would rather have no event than an 'indoor regatta' on rowing machines.

  Despite leaving it to the very last minute, the river was eventually deemed unrowable for all four days of competition to the disappointment of spectators and competitors alike, leaving outstanding grievances to be settled in the summer ...

• In other news ... [2007]

  March 1

  The fourth International Polar Year, a $1.73 billion research program to study both the North Pole and South Pole, is launched in Paris.

  March 1

  Five British people were kidnapped in Ethiopia

  March 2

  The Attorney General for England and Wales, Lord Goldsmith, obtained an injunction from the High Court preventing the BBC from broadcasting an item about investigations into the alleged cash for honours political scandal.

  March 3

  A total lunar eclipse occurs and is visible in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. It is the 52nd lunar eclipse of Lunar Saros series 123 occurring at the moon's descending node. The moon is just 3.2 days before apogee, making it fairly small.

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