Today was a great day of multiple-lane racing for the Poplar sculling squad at the impeccable rowing course of the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham. It was also  an  opportunity to get a clearer idea of what is in store for us at the upcoming British Masters Championships to be held in June at the exact same spot.

Stories of frequent dreadful conditions and water that looked like the North Sea at Holme Pierrepoint had us a little worried. Fortunately what we got was a bright sunny day with a gradually increasing headwind that was never something we couldn’t handle. The day started bright and early with Dan coming 3rd on the second race of the day. Bob followed winning his race comfortably, then came Ben who raced in the open category and finished 4th. It was Bernarda’s turn who finished 2nd on her single, then came George who, having worked until 1 AM that morning and then driven three hours to get there in time to race at 9:50 in the open category came 2nd. Youth, oh divine treasure as we say in Spanish…

It was time for the doubles where Bob and Dan finished 2nd and Bev and Bernarda ended Poplar’s participation in the regatta with the second win of the day.

A very well organised regatta in beautiful surroundings, great weather and strong opposition. We couldn’t have asked for more. Thanks Bev for having helped us all go afloat and come back and many thanks Dan for driving us and our boats there and back.