Brexit? Trump? Join the Saturday Excursion Row - 26 November 2016 - and solve the problem....

[Ian Maclennan]

Hi All,

We live in uncertain times.    First Brexit, then Donald Trump.  Something is wrong with democracy, I have been hearing.  Time to mobilise and do something about it, they are saying around the Royal Oak and other hostelries up and down the land and across the planet.....  

Langstone Cutters Rowing Club have the answer.    Democracy will be abolished, and replaced with row-ocracy.  Oarsome idea, no?  

Here's the plan.  I called Barack Obama and David Cameron and told them enough of this nonsense, I would offer the Cutters as a solution to their problems.  The results of the EU referendum and the US presidential election would be immediately annulled.  Instead, at our Saturday excursion row the Cutters will form two teams to represent the parties involved.  There will be a Hillary crew and a Donald crew.  Also a Leave crew and a Remain crew.  The Cutters will take to the water and race, backing down, from the Northney marker to Sweare Deep.  First crew across the line will determine the result of these "elections".  Can't be any worse result that what we have at present, and will be very much cheaper.  US presidential election was estimated to have cost $ 2.65 billion.  The EU referendum £ 170 million.  I offered the Cutters' services for 50% discount, so Marcus should be able to let Geoff have a few quid to maintain the boats...  

Some details:  

Meet at 8 a.m. (yes, early tide, sorry about this...  all in the cause of providing a service to the public...).  Tide is at 0943 hrs. 4.33 m.  

Fancy dress optional - sweep over haircuts in blond for Donald; iPads to send and receive illegal emails for Hillary (don't take them in the boat, the sea water doesn't agree with them....).  Farage or Boris masks for Leave boat members; David Cameron or Jeremy Corbin (who he?) masks for Remain....  

Radios and grab bags will be carried.  

Weather forecast update:

Forecast suggests mainly dry and overcast.  Wind 10-11 mph ENE, so chilly.  Temperature 6 C.  
Bring plenty of warm layers and wet gear in case the forecast is wrong.

For two crews we will need two boats, so 10 minimum.  If the weather disappoints I will cancel by 2000 hrs. on Friday evening, please look out for a post here.  

After the "elections" are decided we will row on to Emsworth for a debrief at Flintstones over coffee/hot chocolate, etc.  

Please sign up in the usual way.

Thanks!  

Ian

[Andy Mac]

Ian

You are a man of many talents.

Unfortunately, i am away in Venice from Saturday until Tuesday and will not be able to attend.

I demand a run off.

Wishing you all a super election / row / race referendum etc.

Best
Andy

[Ian Maclennan]

Andy, sorry you won't be able to join us, enjoy Venice.  We will post the result of the new election here, assuming weather etc. enable the election to proceed.

[Dave M]

Hi Ian
A race to the White House [I believe some locals refer to it as the Royal Oak] sounds great.
Yes please Ian.
Thanks
Dave

[Lesley Kent-Brown]

Count me in please Ian. Lesley

[Chris Partridge]

Me too, Ian please.

[Ian Maclennan]

Dear All,

At the last count there were four of us as follows:  

Dave M
Lesley Kent
Chris Partridge
Ian M

Alas, row-ocracy won't work without at least two boats, so we will have to postpone that part of the row.  Given the relatively early hour and the lack of enthusiasm I suggest that we cancel this event.  If you are all very keen to row we could take a Teifi with up to four of us and wander down to Emsworth.  Post a reply if you would like to do this.  We will need at least three of the four noted above to make this workable.  I'm willing, if two others are up for this.  

Thanks!  

Ian

[Chris Partridge]

That's a shame, Ian. I am up for a Teifi - we could take two. If Dave and Lesley would prefer one of us could cox them, with the other going out as a single.

[Ian Maclennan]

Let's see what the conditions are like for a single.  If we have one other taker we would be fine with three in one boat.  Dave M or Lesley?  Please post before 11 p.m. otherwise I'm likely to be lying in!  

Thanks!  

Ian

[Lesley Kent-Brown]

I'm happy to fit in with whatever decision is made. Lesley

[Ian Maclennan]

OK, we have a quorum of three so we will row a Teifi down to Flintstones for refreshment and then return.  Meet at 8 a.m. at boatyard.  Bring warm clothes for when you are coxing.  See you there!  Crew is:  

Lesley
Chris P
Ian M

Thanks!  

Ian

[Andy Mac]

Big thanks and well done Ian and crew.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Best

Andy