I raced in a Churchill alumni VIII in the Head of the Cam in Cambridge on 1 May. Three men's crews and one women's crew were entered. We trundled along in the mid-20s, completing the course in 10'41". Disturbingly, that was faster than the previous year. Equally disturbingly, that was 30" faster than the younger Shovellers B, although Shovellers A was 50" faster. The women's crew clocked 11'31", 13" behind W1.
The race was followed by dinner in College, where the naming rights to a new 4+ were auctioned. I participated but (thankfully?) I did not win that either.
Crew: Robert Oeffner (bow), Mike Cotton, Andy McElroy, Wimp, David Sampson, Jonathan Thompson, Jonathan Soar, Ian Scott (stroke), Susie Clements (cox).
I raced Cambridge Town Bumps for the final time for Rob Roy II, starting 8th.
On the first night, we were bumped by City II.
On the second night, we rowed over ahead of Champion of the Thames, with City II ahead bumping Sharks.
On the third night, we rowed over behind Sharks and ahead of Champs.
On the fourth night, again we could not catch Sharks, and Champs behind were bumped by Cantabs II, who earned their blades. City II were denied blades by X-Press.
Crew: Rob Best (bow), Guy Ellis, Stefan Graf, Rich Mott, David Sampson, Oli Campbell, Brett Saunders, Hugh Anderson (stroke), Maryana Vrubel (cox).
I had the privilege of racing a pair with two-time Henley Royal Regatta finalist and cycling companion Simon Goodbrand at Ely Small Boats Head on 7 November. We completed the 5 km in 21'14", 13th overall, and fastest pair. To put this seemingly outstanding achievement in perspective, Simon also raced the single, finishing 1'20" faster. Angie was fastest women's single in 23'09".
Crew: Simon Goodbrand (bow, steering), David Sampson (stroke).