Welcome

Hi all,

Welcome to the PHRC "Henley Crew" blog which will keep anyone interested up to date with how the crew fares in the quest for the Britannia Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta.

For those who don't already know, the crew consists of the following members...

Bow seat: Nick Inglis
2 seat: Drew Holman
3 seat: Conrad Tulloch
Stroke seat: Shane O'Connor-Smith
Cox: Nicole Grant
Team Manager: Cindy Plowman

As mentioned in a certain newspaper article recently, we are a little older than the average Henley challengers, averaging a spritely 38 years. We're hoping that our combined 100+ years of racing experience will overcome whatever damage has been done to the 'engine' in that time. Racing at Henley has been a dream for all of us for many years, to have this opportunity come up and be enabled and supported by the club is, literally, a dream come true.

The event, as mentioned above, is the Brittania Challenge Cup (or the 'Brit'), and is contested by club coxed fours. You are ineligible to compete in the 'Brit' if you have represented your country or if you have won at Henley before. The remainder of course, includes most of the rowing world, so we'll be up against some stiff competition.

Racing at Henley is an unusual format. All events are match races, i.e. 2 boats only. Win and you progress to the next round, lose and it's game over. Our particular event has 16 crews, so to claim the Cup, you need to win 4 times in succession. The event received 28 entries this year, so qualifying time trials will be held this coming Friday to bring the field down to 16. Fortunately, based on our results across the domestic season, we have been granted direct entry to the field and will not have to qualify - good news as we don't land at Heathrow until 7am Wednesday!

Our forward scout, Conrad, is already in the UK scoping out the competition who are all racing this weekend at the Marlow Regatta. He thinks there are at least half a dozen crews going 'quick', (hopefully not as quick as we will be...). Rad has taken possession of our boat (a 2001 Empacher) and is happy with the shell. He is less impressed with the oars however, so (airline cooperating) we will be transporting our own blades to race with.

I/we will endeavour to keep you all updated at least once a day, particularly with race results, etc.

We'd all like to take this opportunity to thank our supporters, friends and families for their overwhelming support and goodwill as we head for Henley. Our fundraiser was a great success and will enable us to put our best foot forward (and leave us with no excuses!). Thanks to all who came along and made the night and the auction such a great success. We'd specifically like to acknowledge the following people/organisations...

Power House Rowing Club Committee and Membership
Paul Weigard
Craig Cooper
John Hannan
Angelo Rizzardi
Jellis Craig Real Estate
Doug McManamny
Brendon Beattie
Brian & Jane Smith
Kirsten Chapman
Peter Benson
Jeff & Lynda Hills
Caitlin Ripper
John & Bernice Tulloch
The Inglis Family
Jane Robinson
Janet Earl
Bridgette Tulloch
Jim Petty
Bruce & Heidi Winnen
Simon Napthine
Bert Tan
Ben Woffenden
Jen Walter
Mike Taylor
Chris Bingles old Coach
Conrad's PE Teacher
Robert Freder
John O'Dowd
Catherine Park
...and anyone else who has donated anonomously!

We'd also like to recognise the superior efforts of Kirsten O'Connor-Smith, the chocolate mistress extraordinaire and her crew of "Chocolateers", primarily Kate Andrews, Elle Lazarus and Erin Carrigy for their superb efforts in producing so many high quality chockys for us to sell. Much gratitude is also extended to those who gave up their time and effort to sell said chocolates!

Lastly, we'd like to thank Greer Lamaro for her assistance in all matters financial and Nicholas Andreou for not only his efforts with the spit roast last Saturday, but also for agreeing to act as crew reserve in the event one of us was struck by illness/injury. This is a rare sacrifice from a true club man and we want to acknowledge his efforts publicly. Thanks Hatsy!

That's it for now, promise that later entries will be shorter!

Drew