It's late Thursday evening here, we've just arrived home following a light paddle of about 6km. Our next race is the second on the program tomorrow, bright and early at 8.35am GMT, or 5.35pm EST if you want to log onto the Henley website - you can get a direct stream from the regatta radio with race commentary and/or view the results page which is updated quickly. I don't know the exact website address, but google Henley Regatta, and you should be able to find it easily.
We are racing against Poplar Blackwall & District RC. They are bigger and stronger than us without doubt, about 10kgs average weight more. Watching them race on Wednesday, they look strong, but heavy in the water. With a bit of luck, we'll be able to put them under enough pressure to force them out of their comfort zone. Conditions over here have been becoming progressively more windy, lots of chop and boat wash on the course which is generally not the sort of water we go looking for!
With a bit of luck, early morning may be a bit calmer and conditions may suit us a little better. Match racing is pretty dog-eat-dog, all crews want to get in front and control the race, much like we did yesterday. Unfortunately, this doesn't really suit our style, we tend to grind out a full distance and not worry too much about being behind early. Unfortunately, on such a tight course, once you get much more than a length down, you start to cop wash from them and comebacks are rare. However, the same rules as always apply, if you want to get out in front, you do pay a price - so we are still confident we can counteract most opposition race plans.
Cindy has just produced another fabulous meal, so I'm going to sign off and eat now! Thanks to all for your messages of support, you can all be assured that nothing will be spared in our charge for the semi-finals, I'll let you know what happens asap.
Cheers, Drew
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