Cockleshell Heroes Challenge at Eastney Cruising Association June 9th and 10th

[Dave M]

The Eastney Cruising Association are planning another “Cockleshell Heroes Challenge” weekend of rowing on the 9th and 10th June. For those who attended last year, the format is much the same.
The following are planned:

1. Saturday 9th June: Sprint races for all boats followed by a 3 mile race out to the fairway marker and back (a race of between 30 mins and 45 mins). This will be well within the capabilities of all club members. There will be a BBQ in the evening and live entertainment later (possibly a Dolly Parton tribute).

2.        Sunday 10th June: The “Cockleshell Challenge”, a handicap race of 7 miles in the Solent round one of the forts and back. There is the potential for some tough water conditions so I would suggest this would be for the more experienced rowers.

We will look to take both Solent Galleys and Mike will be taking his St Ayles Skiffs so there should be some opportunity to win some trophies as well as an opportunity to socialise with the members of some of our local rowing clubs.

The ECA is located at the far tip of Eastney opposite the Ferryboat Inn and has a fantastically located clubhouse (sea views on 3 sides) serving drinks, breakfasts and lunches.

As you can imagine the races and courses are all weather dependent but assuming the conditions are good we can expect two glorious days with the ECA gig club who are excellent hosts.

If you are interested and want to take part please post in the normal way. Can you please indicate if you are interested in the Saturday, Sunday or both.

There is quite a lot of boat lifting required to take account of the fast changing tides so the more attendees the better in order to lessen the workload for everyone.

Last year, one of the galleys was rowed to/from the event. We can look into whether this will be an option nearer the time.

If you are available to tow a boat to / from Eastney, can you please indicate on your post.

Dave

PS. The Round Hayling Race will be the following weekend so this is a good opportunity to hone your skills in readiness for that – I will post details of Round Hayling in a few days time.

[Andy Mac]

We would love to attend on both days please Dave as per last year.

I'm also happy to row a boat down WP and of course to bring it back Sunday or Monday WP

Both of us for both days please Dave.

Cheers, best
Andy and Wendy

PS we are away on holiday until 30th April.
Then back to lots and lots of rowing

[Dee]

Sunday race please Dave also posting for Alison and Ann from Thames Ditton both rejoined members . ( Alison may have posted )
Thanks .

Update Dave , I'm now free for Saturday please .

[MartinS]

Sounds like fun Dave - interested in both days.

[James Griffin]

Saturday only please
Regards James

[Tina Way]

Sunday please Dave.

Thanks
Tina

[Dave M]

Thanks to everyone who has posted thus far. Would anybody else like to participate on one or both of these days?

[Tom Bennett]

Book me in for both days please. Tom

[Alison b]

Hi Dave
Anne and I would like to take part on the Sunday 10th June
for the Cockleshell Challenge
Thanks
Alison

[BobbyClayton]

Hi Dave
I thought I put myself down for both days but can't see it, which is just as well as can now only do the Saturday please
Bobby

[Anita]

I'd like to take part on Sunday please.

Thank you.

Anita

[Dave M]

Is anybody else interested in taking part in the Cockleshell Heroes weekend at Eastney?

We could certainly do with some more rowers for the Saturday. We currently have only 5 definite attendees + a few possibles. Remember this day consists of some short races and is very much a fun day. A BBQ is provided.

We have 13 signed up for the Sunday. It would be good to make up a third crew. This row is a 7 mile sea based race from Eastney, around one of the forts and back to Eastney.

Please sign up if you are interested in either.

Cheers

Dave

[Andy Mac]

Come on you Cutters and PLEASE join us for Saturday's racing. Last year was a lot of fun which enabled everyone to have a go in a race or three. I don't mind coxing some races if you would prefer to row.
Everyone gets  lots of action and Saturday's racing was lots of fun for all standards and abilities. The hosts at ECA are as warm and welcoming as it gets.
Best
Andy

[shahnaz]

Dear David, for now looking like that I am working on the 10.06.2018 , I am trying to swap my shift with someone if I manage I would like to row on Sunday . could you please put my name down with condition , I will let you know as soon as I have more information. many thanks

[shahnaz]

what time is the start I am working on both days from 8:00-13:00 can I come afterward and take part in any races for sat. ?
I have not managed to swab my shift so it is NO for sunday as much as I regret

[Dave M]

Hi Shanaz

It is a shame you are working on the Sunday.

I am not sure on the timings for Saturday but I would have thought there would still be some racing in the afternoon. I will try and find out some timings and post them on the forum.

Dave

[Marion]

Hi Dave, afraid I can't make Saturday as have dancing commitment but could do Sunday if there is enough for another crew (but not keen on a skiff in the solent!) Many thanks. Marion x

[Dee]

Ditto Marion regarding the skiff !

---

From: Marion [via Langstone Cutters RC] <ml+[hidden email]>
Sent: 29 May 2018 19:31:50
To: Dee
Subject: Re: Cockleshell Heroes Challenge at Eastney Cruising Association June 9th and 10th

 

Hi Dave, afraid I can't make Saturday as have dancing commitment but could do Sunday if there is enough for another crew (but not keen on a skiff in the solent!) Many thanks. Marion x

---

If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:

http://langstone-cutters-rc.1095392.n5.nabble.com/Cockleshell-Heroes-Challenge-at-Eastney-Cruising-Association-June-9th-and-10th-tp14767p15175.html

To unsubscribe from Cockleshell Heroes Challenge at Eastney Cruising Association June 9th and 10th, click here.
NAML

[Andy Mac]

Hi Dave

On the matter of rowing a Skiff in the Cockleshell challenge, I would strongly suggest that careful thought is given as to who crews the boat.

The new heavier longer oars were a nightmare to use during the HRR and it is hard to imagine them being anything other than a burden on an open sea row.

For some strange reason , the club tends to select " social rowing " crew to row the Skiffs, when in reality they need much harder work to get them going well and to maintain a decent speed.

If weather permits, the galleys will get around the seven mile course inside two hours whereas the Skiffs will take a good half hour longer, once again depending on wind direction and strength.

Accordingly, one of the stronger crews who are favoured to row the galleys, should row the Skiff in my opinion, as strong levels of fitness are needed to get them into their cruising gear and unlike galleys they are no pauses for the crew to row, glide and recover.

Just a thought because if a " social crew " is expected to go out into the Solent and row a Skiff for 2.5 hours with the new heavy and longer oars which we used in Bella during the HRR, they will struggle and the row will be anything but enjoyable.

I know the race area very well as I use to take anglers out and around the course and I would be happy to skipper a Skiff, but only if a strong crew was chosen to row it.

Cheers, Best

Andy

[Rachel]

Hi Andy,
          I think all the people who have signed up for Sunday are capable of the row and might be a bit offended at being called 'social rowers'! We are not planning on using a Skiff so no need for anyone to be concerned.