Clare Novice Regatta
As we know, Clare Novices does require some luck in order to be a reflection of ability, and for many crews it’s the event that brings major fuel to the fire for Fairbairns; time to set any records straight that might need setting straight! I have been so impressed by all 4 of our crews over the past three days. NW2 show that team spirit takes many forms and can be relatively cerebral yet very real for that crew - and best of all I think you girls (and guy) made quantum leaps during the Regatta in your understanding of how much power you have at your disposal and now have all the ingredients for a strong Fairbairns race, since you always did row well. You’ve got a strong NW2 heritage after last year’s epic effort to follow so go for it, I think you are in the same league! NW1 – apart from being good at whistling – proved they are also great at rowing, and I think the whole crew is now working really well together with everyone ‘stroking the boat for themselves rather than following’ – you really took that on board and without chance to practice your new ideas you went out and made a success of it. I know you are really ambitious for FB: I think you are right to be; focus on maximising your efficiency this week (holding in your finishes, missing less at the catch) because I have seen at least 2 crews that I think will take some beating, Anglia Ruskin being one of them (hardly surprising since they started rowing 4 weeks before we did!). NM2 I thought made the most incredible improvements from race to race of all our crews, and really listened to the coaching; the changes you made between race 1 and race 2 were quite spectacular and I honestly think you’ll be very pleased with your FB result at this rate. And NM1, who no doubt feel very disappointed, I hope you have the most fuel for your Fairbairns fire now. Going out in round 1 does not at all reflect your ability, and the Girton crew was another excellent crew which is why it was a very even match. I watched the finals yesterday and didn’t feel you would have been out of place in that race, so without making any predictions I am anticipating a top 10, possibly top 5 finish for you guys if it all goes right on the day for you. People always do catch crabs; some can be quickly recovered, others can’t, and sometimes they cause crew to lock together; it’s hard luck and it’s part of being a novice so don’t feel bad about it. However in Fairbairns you have time and space to recover a crab and really race on; many crews will have to deal with crabs so don’t worry about them happening, just get on with recovering it and restarting. For all of you, that’s why Fairbairns is the better race – it does allow you and your cox to prove how good you are – challenging corners, motivationally demanding, and long enough to eliminate luck to a large degree. In terms of the proof being in the pudding, Fairbairns is the pudding; Clare Novices is the custard - merely would have been a nice addition! On,on!!
