Chiswick Regatta
WMasD 4x – Race 69 – Boat 4 – Quintin Boat Club (Boat: Brian Shaw)
The WMasD quad of Jennie Elsmore, Jo Midgley, Juliet Cassidy, and Maria Cruz raced in boat 42 at Chiswick Regatta, the crew’s second race together this season, and Jo’s first ever regatta (though not her first time racing).
Before even lining up, things got lively, the crew were caught in a gaggle of canoes and hit by a front-loaded coxed four from Tideway Scullers. After a long hold at the start, the race finally got underway.
Thames Tradesman (WMasE) had a 7-second head start under the handicap system, with Quintin racing as WMasD and an average crew age of 54.75, right at the top of the D category range (50–55). Add a gusty headwind and big chop, and it was a full-on Tideway test!
Despite the disruption and conditions, Quintin stayed composed, rowed a strong race, and pushed all the way to the finish, closing the gap to just 6 seconds.
A resilient and determined row in seriously tough conditions, great racing experience for the crew, with plenty to build on as the season continues.
Words by Jennie Elsmore
