Our final race weekend of the season was another testament to our improved fitness, coaching, and skill in the boat!
We had two mixed teams racing in Nothin' Dragon Red and Black teams consisting of Trish, Jen, Cindy, Sandra, Mary, Pat W, Elizabeth, Marg, Steve C, Nicole, Darlene Ian, Brian A, Steve M, David W, Mike, Brent J, Willi, Bruce, Helen, Donna, Dave F, Ann, Sally, Lori, Linda, Robbin, Michele, Laney, Julie, Terry, Marianne, Rob, George, Bryan, Pete, Dale, Brent M, Carol, Dave D, Christine, Deb, Jola and Patty,
We enjoyed another great tent location at False Creek thanks to the setup by Brent, Michele and Linda, where we could see race action and the marshaling board at a glance from the tent. Darlene led a great warmup, and at circle time we acknowledged our members who are retiring from the team.
Acknowledged and thanked for their team contributions was Mary, Patty, Bryan, Helen, Pat J and Ann. All have put in many years as paddlers, and are golden members. Saying goodbye to our originals, Ann and Pat is very difficult! Mary's contribution as a secretary for so many years must also get special mention. Our engine room will suffer a huge loss without Bryan, and the solid paddling of Mary, Ann, Pat, Helen and Patty who took various positions in the boat over the years. We thank you, love you, and wish you all the very best in your future!
Oddball Fall Classic race action got underway and both teams felt proud of our first race times, just one second apart. In our second race, both teams dealt with some technical issues from the race management team. Teams were having a hard time hearing the race start, and the Black team got held up by other teams not being in alignment, then the boat drifted, and a buoy was alongside the boat as the start got underway. Drummer and steer called out to the race official to no avail. After the debrief, team Black advised the race management about the issue. Despite a faint start call, Red team placed first in their semi! Our times were almost matched in our second races, and thought for certain we'd be racing against each other in race 3. That was not the case. We were seeded into Division D (Black) and E (Red).
Rain began and for our final races both teams were determined to make it our best, and that we did! Congrats to Team Red who took home a bronze medal for 3rd place in the E Division with a time of 00:59.068; and congrats to Team Black who put in our fastest time for the weekend at 00:56.184.
A big thanks to Coach Denise for having us race-ready, our steers and drummers for navigating, motivating and keeping us on course: Bob, Dave F, Trish, Laney and Sally. Thank you to our assistant captain, Steve C for your leadership!
We all left a little or a lot wet but feeling proud of our accomplishments. Many of us ended up at Legion 263 in Coquitlam to bid Mary, Patty & Bryan farewell.
Race Results:
ND RED
Race 4 - Qualifier
01:01.463
Race 16 - E/F/G Semi
1:02.257
Race 27 - E Final
00:59.068
ND BLACK
Race 5 - Qualifier
1:00.042
Race 19 - A/B/C/D Semi
1:02.881
Race 28 - D Final
00:56.184
Facebook Photos and Video Album
Now it's time to get focussed on our AGM, dryland and our next season, and onboarding newbies.
