Archive News from August 2007

Snippets of news and events from earlier months, as shown originally on the Rowing Service News Page.
Standard results/events/etc not shown.

There is a full Rowing Service archive index online.

Friday 31st August 2007

Drugs violations continued. Yesterday's press conference gave us a few more details about the Russian problem, without fully completing the story. FISA President Denis Oswald started by pointing out that FISA has always been in the front line against sports doping, and was the first international federation to conduct out-of-competition tests (in 1983), as well as instituting the life-ban for first offence, which lasted until a banning system was synchronised by WADA recently. So, how did they find out. A rubbish bag was found in a bin outside the Russian hotel in Lucerne after the World Cup, on 15th July 2007, and given to FISA (they won't say by whom). It contained boxes and bottles of the substance (they still won't tell us what, but the rumour around the boat racks here in Munich is possibly creatine). The boxes were labelled in the Cyrillic alphabet, and some of the bottles were labelled in handwriting with Cyrillic "LM2x". "Even I know enough Cyrillic to know what that means", said Matt Smith wryly at yesterday's discussion. There were also i-v needles in the bag, as well as tubing: both contained blood, so were clearly being discarded after use. The whole lot was sent to the Lausanne anti-doping and forensic lab FISA uses, for testing and DNA analysis. The substance was identified, and three athletes (the banned three) identified from the DNA. Denis Oswald's answers to "could there be any other DNA in the blood" were not clear - at first he seemed to say that all the blood had been identified, but later he seemed to suggest the lab might come up with more names. Following the discovery and initial analysis, FISA visited Russia's pre-worlds camp in Trakai and did "targeted surprise testing" which included the LM2x (already implicated through the labelled bottles). They did more targeted testing when Russia arrived in Munich last week, including the banned oarswoman, and had tested the whole of the Russian squad by the end of Tuesday. When confronted, the athletes admitted they had been doing infusions, before they were told the DNA results. Got to go, more anon.

Thursday 30th August 2007

Second update of the Rowing Voice as a PDF file (3.7 MB).

Wednesday 29th August 2007

BREAKING NEWS - RUSSIAN DRUGS BANS. 10:40am in Munich. It has just been announced that yesterday a FISA Doping Hearing Panel decided the following. Three Russian competitors - Vladimir Varfolomeev and Denis Moiseev (RUS LM2x) and Svetlana Fedorova (RUS W8+) had used a "prohibited method". All three have been banned for two years from yesterday (28th August 2007) and their crews, ie the LM2x and W8+, disqualified from the world championships. We are expecting more details in a press conference at approx. 2pm local time: I will update again after that.

Update on FISA decision. To paraphrase a lengthy and fascinating press conference just held at the tribune in Munich... FISA discovered that the three Russian rowers named above had used a prohibited method, to whit, they used intravenous infusions (drips) of legal substances without a legitimate medical reason. FISA know what was in the infusion and were able to test for it. This violates clause M2 of the anti-doping code, and was described by FISA Executive Director Matt Smith as "furthermore a very serious health and safety issue if done without proper medical supervision". He went on to say: "When we suspected the violation, we immediately (before the competition started) tested everyone else who could possibly be suspect, and all those tests were negative." The suspicion arose before the world championships, before Russia came to Germany, but he refused to discuss the details of when, where, or what (legal) substances were found, because FISA's investigations are ongoing. A second press conference will be held at 4pm Thursday during which he expects to be able to clarify further. In particular, we expect him to add to the comment: "we had evidence which led us to the Russian team" - the reason why the checks were done in the first place. He explained that when called in last night, the three athletes chose to have their hearing immediately, rather than take longer to prepare their explanation, and that all three admitted that FISA's suspicions (based on clear evidence) were correct. That was fortunate because while FISA like to give athletes as much time as they need to prepare a defence, it is Matt Smith's "duty to impose a provisional suspension - usually confidential - when I have clear positive evidence of a violation". The two panels - one for the LM2x and one for the W8+ rower - therefore concluded their decision and informed the athletes just after midnight last night, and the boats were withdrawn in the morning. The RUS LM2x is disqualified because both oarsmen were caught for doping: the W8+ is excluded, which means that had they already been doubling up, any of the other members of the eight could have continued rowing in their other events. The eight has to be excluded because it has already raced with the banned rower on board. However, the remaining W8+ oarswomen are still eligible to sub in if needed in other crews for medical substitutions. The athletes still have 30 days to appeal the two-year ban which has been handed down by FISA.
The issue of last year's RUS W4x ban and subsequent Feb 2007 disqualfication from the world title, also arose. Matt said that FISA was "really upset" about that, because the test, done on 23rd July 2006, had gone to a Paris laboratory which, unbeknownst to WADA (whose out-of-competition test it was), then shut for the whole of August 2006 which is why the result was not received until well after the Eton world championships. Normally WADA's and FISA's tests are turned around inside 10 days. For those wondering, all the pre-worlds rowing dope tests from this year, including 44 blood and urine tests done on Thursday and Friday last week here in Munich, are already back and confirmed negative: there are no other cases outstanding. There is a ramification to the 2006 violation which we expect to hear more about tomorrow: apparently the anti-doping rules have some special additions to cope with what is described as "systematic violations". If four or more violations are committed by athletes or other persons from one nation within a 12-month period, FISA can take further action, which presumably includes banning the federation. Matt added: "We are looking at this tonight in a special executive meeting, and will tell you more tomorrow." Further to the Russian situation, he explained that in 2006 Olga Samulenkova had been tested by WADA during training camp in Bulgaria on 22nd July 2006. Her test that day was negative for everything including testosterone and its metabolites. WADA left at the end of 22nd, but chose to return, unexpectedly one presumes, on 23rd July. Samulenkova's test that day was positive, hence the ban. Matt's comment after relaying this story was as follows: "It was a very good warning to the athletes, that even if you've had your out-of-competition test for the year, it's not over and they can be back any time, even the next day. This is a sign of the improved WADA (and FISA) approach."

Tuesday 28th August 2007

Rowing Voice update - update on racing, quotes and news from Munich (large PDF file).

Munich headlines - Goldsack living out her American dream (Sarah Potter, The Times, UK), Women's quad are first to Beijing (Martin Cross, Guardian, UK), Campbell eases to semi-final spot (BBC Sport, UK), GB quad secures spot at Olympics (BBC Sport, UK), Flood and co edge out Germans to book berth in Beijing (Chris Dodd, Independent, UK), Irish rowers through to semi-finals (RTE, Ireland), Ukraine plunges into nightmare at rowing worlds (People's Daily Online, China), Grainger into another final (This is Aberdeen, UK), Successful day of qualifying (Daily Telegraph, Australia), Brits take second chances (Sporting Life, UK), Australia, China, Italy shine in second-day heats at rowing worlds (Mathaba, UK), Canadian eights back on track at rowing worlds (Times Colonist, Canada), Rowers get a good start (Vancouver Province, Canada), Australia's women's eight into rowing final (ABC Online, Australia), Kiwi boats looking to semis (TVNZ, NZ), NZ rowing pair line up third dais visit (Stuff, NZ), Men's eight advance at rowing championships (Toronto Star, Canada), Grainger in world final (Mike Haggerty, The Herald, UK), Olympic waters getting choppy for NZ eights (New Zealand Herald, NZ), Tough day for rowers in Munich (NZ City, NZ), Double scullers cruise into rowing quarters (New Zealand Herald, NZ), Cohen into rowing quarters (Southland Times, NZ), British rowers book first Beijing slot (Sporting Life, UK), NZ eights find the rowing champs pace too hot (Stuff, NZ), Perfect start for Aussie crews in Munich (West Australian, Australia), Newark rower Baldychev wins heat (News Journal, USA), He's big (6-foot-8) on rowing (Oregon Live, USA), Olympic charm attracts veteran rowers back to Munich (People's Daily Online, China), Victorious Vili inspires NZ flotilla in Munich (TV3 News, NZ), Canadians win pairs heat at world rowing championships (Toronto Star, Canada), Beijing joy for British crews (Rachel Quarrell, Telegraph, UK - before the rowing geeks shout, I realised after this was published that I'd been working off the wrong information about Paralympic qualification - it's 8 through from this regatta and 4 later, not 12 now). There is continuing coverage on Row2k's worlds feature section - keep checking back for updates. And, of course, on the World Rowing site (FISA).

Other rowing news - 'Naked rowers' beat world record (Telegraph, UK), Oarsome challenge for rowers (Bucks Free Press, UK), More tactics, spectacle in river tussle (Waikato Times, NZ), Pacific rower rescued after capsize (iAfrica, South Africa), Local CBC broadcaster and dedicated volunteer dies (CBC, Canada).

Monday 27th August 2007

World champs headlines - Britain off to impressive start in world championships (Mike Rosewell, Times Online - only a brief in the printed paper but this is the full article), Campbell puts Britain on course for five wins (Chris Dodd, Independent), Laverick and Bebington lead the way as Britain build early momentum (Martin Cross, Guardian, UK), British four fastest in Munich (Rachel Quarrell, Telegraph, UK), GB four find form again at worlds (BBC Sport, UK), Crews make bright start as Beijing beckons (Robert Treharne Jones, Irish Independent, Ireland). And the Sunday Times Big Interview one - Alastair Heathcote (Paul Kimmage, Sunday Times, UK, a gargantuan 3190 word feature article).

My spies in Britain tell me that there's a very odd picture in the Guardian - it apparently looks as if it's Sarah Winckless rather than Elise or Anna - but out here in Munich I can't see it. Another blooper spotted by the same correspondent, which I'm going to pass on: the BBC Interactive schedule apparently lists it as the rowing world cup, not championships.

And Interesting, very interesting (a review of former Boat Race commentator Barry Davies' autobiography, in the Independent, UK).

Sunday 26th August 2007

Rowing Voice issue 4 is out, including a preview of the GB team hopefuls at the world championships, Hammer Smith in Beijing, rowing on the Nile and a rant about the National Championships. 12 MB file for now, with a lower-resolution one coming later today to help those with low bandwidth. Voice updates will be published every couple of days during the champs, with results, news and views. Send feedback/contributions to our regular email address. Rachel Quarrell and Chris Dodd.

The Munich world championships website (in German and English) has a bundle of information, and is one of the better versions for a worlds that I have seen. They have thought about it intelligently: the maps for press, athletes, spectators and team managers are all different. There are two webcams, one mounted on the boathouse and looking towards the grandstand and most of the course, and the other looking the reverse way, showing the rafts and boating area.

A website for Right Fit Rowing (USA). This looks like the rowing version of a multisport college recruitment/scholarship organisation, but clearly they think rowing/crew is part of their portfolio, so go for it. I've got to say though, I searched on rowing and found nothing - maybe it's due to the time of year, or maybe nobody has asked them to put up information yet. Might help for anyone genuinely interested to prod the site managers.

Rowing headlines: Great Britain in buoyant mood (Rachel Quarrell, Telegraph, UK), Shock and oar (Jon Henderson, Observer, UK).

Friday 24th August 2007

Readers of the Rowing Voice online magazine please read this message on the Voice homepage. Thanks. Also, last chance to send letters, notices or (brief) news for the end-August edition of the Rowing Voice - email to voice@rowingservice.com in the next 24 hours. (repost - first put up yesterday).

Don Gillett, who arranges travel for the British International Rowing supporters group (UK), has a room currently going begging for the worlds. It's at the Holiday Inn in Munich, city centre and close to the S-Bahn/underground. One twin room is booked for 25th August for 9 nights, the full-period rate of �430 per person includes breakfast. Shorter duration bookings may be possible. Anyone interested should contact Jessica on 01234 348882. (repost)

A website I hadn't ever seen before (thanks DF), Row Coach Media. It lists a roster of eminent US coaches amongst its founders/team, including current hwt USA men's coach Mike Teti, and that may be why it's been able to put online a series of practice videos from the Munich course where the best in the world are currently training ready for this weekend's world championships. The site also includes "Cooke's Cuts" ie Megan Cooke's music choices, a list of rowing venues (currently only USA), and a load of athlete blogs, not all necessarily about rowing. Plus the infamous "Beau Hoopman Liberation Army" (go to groups, and beware for your sanity).

The boat company Fluidesign has brought on a European agent, Pepijn Paanen, based in Amsterdam.

Kingston RC (UK) are looking for a new head coach (PDF format advert).

From a while ago, an obituary of Patrick Murphy, son of Brown Univ coaches John and Phoebe Murphy (USA).

Other headlines: Four must prove worth (Martin Cross, Guardian, UK), Cleaner Thames Challenge (Boat Race website, UK), Beware river disease (icBerkshire, UK), Welsh rowers target medals at the world championships (icWales, UK), Young rower wins gold (Newbury Weekly News, UK), Club marks century with rowing regatta (Regina Leader-Post, Canada), Defending champs win Hammer Row (Press of Atlantic City, USA), Growing with the flow (Boston Globe, USA), Kiwi rowers in good shape for Munich world champs (Scoop, NZ), Huskies crew earns return trip to Moscow (Seattle Post Intelligencer, USA), Sculpture trail plan on hold (Lawrence Journal World, USA), Evesham rowers show off their silverware collection (Evesham Journal, UK), Tomkins aims for sixth Olympics because he can (Melbourne Herald Sun, pointing out that Jimmy Tomkins has moved up to the stroke seat of the AUS M8+, which might get dangerous....), GB rowers aiming for peak in form (BBC Sport, UK), NZ rowing team feeling good (Radio New Zealand, NZ), Roz Savage describes what it's like to capsize in an ocean rowing boat (BYM News, Spain), Callahan helps US win rowing gold (The Times, USA), Cuban roweres in Germany for world championships in Munich (Cuba News, Cuba), Regatta coming to Riverfest (Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, USA), Wonderful Waterville takes centre stage in rowing world (The Kingdom, Ireland), To the office on time by the row less traveled (Boston Globe, USA), Rower comes full circle (News Journal, USA), Rowing club comes to Lee County (Florida Weekly, USA), Schalik graduate shifts from swimming to crew (Today's Sunbeam, USA), River rescue plan unveiled (Penrith City Star, Australia), And a stuffed dog... (Exmouth Journal, UK), Bronze with no breathing space (Barien News, USA), Medal winning teen eyes Olympics (Richmond and Twickenham Times, UK), Quiet achievers row for Beijing 2008 (Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia), Beijing spotlight on Kamiak grad (Mukilteo Beacon, USA), Rainbird powers his way to regatta glory (Hunts Post, UK), Luxury housing beats cinema (Hunts Post, UK), Female rowing team braced for test (icWales, UK).

And from July, Kayaker meets challenge in legendary event (New York Times, login and payment required). From the photo associated with it on Google, this isn't about kayaking but about a sculler in the Cape Ann race (rowing and paddling). But you'll need to pay to download the full article.

Thursday 23rd August 2007

Wednesday 22nd August 2007

A fun website in German: Rudern Macht Doof - Rowing makes you stupid. It's the touring site for the Osnabrucker rowing club. For those without rowing-German, try translating it with Babelfish. You may not end up with proper phrases, but the translations are understandable and rather charming: sample aim of ORV - "sporty achievement without achievement sport training, vacation make and the simple life enjoy".

Rowing on the Nile, an online reprint of an article which appeared in the July/August 1981 edition of the Saudi Aramco World, so therefore probably talking about the Nile Regatta of late 1980, featuring Egyptian, US and various European crews. Fascinating because this is an era largely overlooked online (it was before the Internet, yet not out of living memory, so considered less interesting to historians putting archive material up).

The Ocean Rowing Society is running a series of seminars for potential ocean rowers, with the next on September 14th at the Southampton Boat Show (UK).

Tuesday 21st August 2007

Results from Maidenhead Regatta at Dorney (PDF format, UK).

Saturday and Sunday results from Peterborough Summer Regatta (UK).

The results from Warwick Primary Regatta (UK) are also online.

And Stourport Saturday and Sunday results (both PDF, UK).

Earlier in the month, Warrington Regatta (UK) have put their results up (PDF) - the by-race details below the formal draw are marked 2006, but I think it's all 2007.

Tees RC hasn't put up results of its Primary & Adaptive Regatta (UK), but there is a lengthy report of the action on their website.

A link to Karen Margerison's "Independent Women" novice eight website (UK - see yesterday's and today's BBC Berkshire news).

A message from Sons of the Thames (UK): "Sons of the Thames Rowing Club is looking for a women's coach to start in the upcoming season. The club has a growing number of novices, S4, and S3 level women and men, as well as veterans and S2 oarspeople who row on a more ad hoc basis. The new coach would be mainly coaching the womens S4 /S3 level at the weekends, as well as helping set training programs. Support would be given by the club for training and qualifications if desired. This is an excellent chance to help progress your coaching knowledge, and to help move the club forward. The role would begin in September 2007. If you would like to know more about Sons, please see our website, or contact Lyndsay Campbell (07866514558) for more details."

Rowing in the media: Olympic qualifying starts today (Times Colonist, Canada), Crew team has record summer (GSU Signal, USA), Portable docks installed on river (Hamilton Journal News, USA), Wise marketing boosts rowing club's popularity (Charlottesville Daily Progress, USA), Grobler has more chapters to write (Donald McRae, Guardian, UK), Robert Reilly was known for his razor-sharp wit (Welland Tribune obituary, Canada), Women on the water: part 2 (BBC Berkshire, UK), Local rowers strut their stuff at annual regatta (Western Star, Canada), Kiwi eight takes junior A silver (Sportal, NZ), Sagamore Rowing Association crew team member a national champion (Oyster Bay Enterprise Pilot, USA).

Monday 20th August 2007

The latest FISA circular has a reminder of the Annual Congress (Monday 3rd September, 09:00 in Munich); FISA comments on the 2010 and 2011 worlds bids (various); and notices of conferences.

The 2007 FISA Youth Coaches Conference will take place on 11-14th October in Gibraltar: it has its own website with full information and a rather cool overhead shot of the Rock on its main page.

The 2007 World Rowing Coaches Conference is from 8-11th November in Budapest, Hungary, and also has its own website which is due to go live some time this month. Guest speaker at the world coaches' conference is Rene Mjinders.

The Rowing Inkling market for the world championships has been opened for those who fancy trying to predict the winners.

City of Oxford RC (UK) is looking for a new women's head coach (PDF format).

There are various jobs going on the ARA jobs page (UK), including for an Eastern region team leader (closes 24th August) and community sports coach in Berkshire (closes 14th September). The Commonwealth Games Council for England is looking for a Chair - closing date 7th September.

The ARA also has the Volunteer of the Year winners list online (UK). Overall winner was Peter Brown of Queen's Park High School.

FISA has published the entry procedure for the world coastal championships (19-21st October in Mandelieu, France) as well as the full FISA coastal rowing regulations (PDF format). Also on FISA, Record entry at 2007 world rowing championships and Adventure rowing FISA tour style. The latter refers to the round-Manhattan row which a crazy bunch of tour rowers has just completed.

Other headlines: Rowers brave choppy waters (Royal Gazette, Bermuda), Oxford City's regatta beats the floods (Oxford Times, UK), Pets sick after swimming in St. John's lake (Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada), Crowds gather for Hurley Regatta (Maidenhead Advertiser, UK), 105 days at sea with your mum: fun or folly? (Response press release, UK), Perth crews hold sway as wind takes toll on rowers (West Australian, Australia), Galway man to boldy row where no man has gone before (Galway First, Ireland), Roz Savage fears that her Pacific rowing attempt could end in California (BYM News, Spain), Wind on river thwarts regatta (Republican, USA), Musicians stroke so rowers can (Boston Globe, USA), State rep. Poppell not giving up on rowing facility (Vero Beach Press-Journal, USA), Scottish Institute's loss is Victoria's gain again (whither Marty Aitken in the Scotsman, UK), Mountain Hawks name Meltzer rowing coach (Allentown Morning Call, USA), For some lifeguards, there's no retiring from the beach (vestigially relevant, Press of Atlantic City, USA), Lofgren on senior national team, heads to Munich (Daily Pilot, USA), Perfect end of season for dominant Perth College (West Australian, Australia), Waddell to speak at Halberg function (Hawke's Bay Today, NZ), Rowers learn their strokes on Licking River (Cincinnati Community Press, USA), NRRA reaches out to young rowers (Norwalk Citizen, USA), Local rowers clean up at famed Henley regatta (Saanich News, Canada), Rowing club's masters regatta goes for the green this weekend (Oak Bay News, Canada), My weekend: Julia Wood (The Times, UK), Women on the water: part 1 (BBC Berkshire, UK), Delaney scoops gold in Great Britain boat (icBerkshire, UK).

Friday 17th August 2007

A warning to Tyne River users (UK) at Blaydon: there is an obstruction in the river. Full details and pictures uploaded in Word format on NE Rowing News.

A posse of former GB rowers (Jim Walker, Matt Pinsent, Garry Herbert, Ben Hunt-Davis) has set up The Bridge Network (UK), designed to help current international athletes into careers after they retire from sport. A proper website is being designed, but for now those interested either in supporting the concept or in becoming a possible user, can register their interest. The Network is also looking for a part-time coordinator (PDF format advert).

More lost property (UK) following the Home Countries: "The BIRO Janousek W2- is missing two light brown seats, marked with the number '14'. If anyone picked them up by accident from the England trailer, can they please contact Jason Foster, England Team Manager, or Carl Offard (07775 848958) asap. Thanks."

The funeral for Bob Robinson (Leander Club janitor, UK), will take place on Thursday 23rd August at Holy Trinity Church, Greys Hill, Henley-on-Thames, at 11am. Flowers welcome or donations to Macmillan Nurses, if desired, may be sent to Tomalin and Son, 38 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames RG9 1 AG Tel: 01491 573370. Donations in memory of John Scott (former Leander house manager), whose funeral has already taken place, may be sent to renal and cancer charities c/o Memorial Woodlands, Earthcott Green, Alveston, Bristol BS35 3TA.

The 2007 Rowers' Revenge Triathlon (UK) is supporting Team Harry, a meningitis research charity fund in memory of Harry Mills, who died in April 2007 aged 11. Full details on the website.

The second volume of the Materials in Sports Equipment report (a business report) includes a section from Klaus Filter on rowing equipment materials. Pay-per-view subscription.

Rowing headlines: Plymouth's Hoopman earns spot on US rowing team (Sheboygan Press, USA), Pacific Rower Roz Savage crossed Line of Death (BYM press release, Spain), Olympic hopeful Jenny Cogger was among Forest students celebrating A-level success (ThisisGloucestershire, UK, note that it's not the junior european champs she medalled at, but the Coupe), Wairoa planning own 'unique sporting event' (Gisborne Herald, NZ), Major 'rivers' display for museum (Gisborne Herald, NZ), Fraser Berkhout strikes Henley gold (NiagaraThisWeek, Canada), Sagamore Rowing Association crew team member a national champion (Oyster Bay Enterprise Pilot, USA), Historic scull getting new home at Legends (Times Colonist, Canada), WWU's Tomaras passes (King5, USA), University gains the honours (icNewcastle, UK), Big blow for diamond jubilee regatta (Shetland News, Scotland, UK), Van Vliet at odds with Canal Corp (Welland Tribune, Canada, about fossil-fuelled launches), Regatta season lights up Caherciveen (The Kingdom, Ireland), Portora rowers cause upset in currach championships (Fermanagh Herald, Ireland), Rachel takes on the Atlantic (Fermanagh Herald, Ireland), Island rowers make splash (Times Colonist, Canada).

Thursday 16th August 2007

The provisional timetable, entry list by country and by event (all PDF) for the world championships in Munich are available from the FISA website. The individual by-event lists can also be downloaded from the worlds index page. Yet again it's a record number of countries: 68 is very good for such an expensive sport. And with the Paralympics coming up, an encouraging 23 entering at least one adaptive event, with three from Korea.

Darren Rhodes (Henley, UK) is doing a rowathlon in support of the Harry Mahon Cancer Research Trust, to enable the research team the Trust supports to buy its next specialised machine. Details and how to donate online at the HMCRT webpage (link above), or you can use the gift-aid form from the website. Darren's effort is at the Dorney Lake Rowathlon on 30th September, which is part of the Concept 2 Rowathlon series.

Urgent plea: "At the last minute, it appears that Cambridge women's veterans (UK) have lost their transport to the FISA Masters regatta. They're looking either for trailer space, or alternatively to share boats with crews already fixed up. In the latter case, they're looking for boats for W VA/VB/VC VIII's and WVB/VC IV's, so if anyone is going and that doesn't clash with what they have, the women would love to hear from them. Contact is Ruth Tracey either on ruthTracey@aol.com or 07900 696033".

Rowing in the news, O'Dunne rowing towards Olympics (Express Times, USA), Captain Heathcote pulls away after Iraq (RQ, Telegraph, UK), Chartiers Valley graduate/Michigan freshman is rowing her way around the world (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, USA), Campers learn to row, row, row their sculls (Red Bank Hub, USA), Beijing 2008 Games organisers earn praise for flawless test events (Malaysia Star, Malaysia), Region Row for Heart Regatta on Saturday (New Hamburg Independent, Canada).

Wednesday 15th August 2007

I've had a massive New Info clear-up, and brought this page back down to the last few weeks only, with all the rest moved to the relevant archive page. As I say on the archive index, I've decided to keep each month's news, even if no longer current, because it may become something of a historical record. If you want to find something quickly you may want to do a search on Google Advanced Search, with the "only from this domain" section activated using http://www.rowingservice.com/ as the URL. Alternatively, if you know the rough date, click on the correct month, and do "find on page" for speedy location of specific phrases.

The draw for Oxford City Royal Regatta (UK) is online - link is to the regatta index page with downloads including both days and competitor instructions.

An obituary of John Pinches (ex-LRC captain, UK) in the Times last week.

Rowing press: Oarsome champ's board bid fails (Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia), Better half: Mr and Mrs Millard go... rowing (Times, UK, with some nice reminders of just how arcane and indecipherable our terminology can seem to complete beginners - read this before you take your next bunch of undiluted novices out), CMA awards Medal of Honour to David Patchell-Evans (CNW Newswire, Canada), Junior worlds offered taste of Olympics (London Free Press, Canada), Four for Germany (Philadelphia Inquirer, USA), Steel City Rowing Club plans $1.4M LEED-certified boathouse in Verona (Pop City, USA), 'A' for effort: SNRC pleased with showing at Henley (Welland Tribune, Canada), Whatever floats your boat (Sydney Morning Herald, Australia), Weyauwega's Resch to row on US team (Appleton Post Crescent, USA), Blue Island-based team rowing for gold (Chicago Daily Southtown, USA), Nelson rower shares in silver for eight (Nelson Mail, NZ), Roz Savage runs aground minutes into journey (Telegraph, UK), Double gold (Welland Tribune, Canada), Nova Scotians win at rowing regatta (Daily News, Canada), Boat ramp solution? More communication is a start (Gainesville Times, USA), Attendance up at Henley (St Catharine's Standard, Canada), Park-sized dam planned for Waihopei (Marlborough Express, NZ), Lone British rowing gold as China triumphs (RQ, Sunday Telegraph, UK), Hopes rise for rowing events (Wimmera Mail Times, Australia), Cowburn just misses medal glory (Worcester News, UK), Only rowing club with facilities seeks to revive glory days (INQ7, Philippines), Saturday finals at Shunyi (Row2k, USA), Lake Brantley rowing crew has new home (Central Florida News, USA), Convey, Gordon bring home Henley gold (Chronicle Herald, Canada), Hat-trick win for Payaippadu Chundan (New India Press, India), Olympics in her sights (Crewe Guardian, UK), UWO rower Jake Breuer wins solo title at Henley (London Free Press, Canada), Munich oar bust: Riverside eights make world championships (Boston Herald, USA), China surprises world in rowing (China Daily, China), First people from the Midlands ever to cross the Indian Ocean (PR-GB, Bulgaria).

Tuesday 14th August 2007

RQ email warning - Two completely independent email servers I use have come under attack from hundreds and hundreds of spam messages this weekend: there's clearly something going on. Worth checking if you've sent anything important to contacts recently and they haven't acknowledged receipt. RQ.

The draw for Warwick Regatta (UK) is online.

A plea (UK): "Reading University Boat Club's crews are looking for a trailer for the GBR weekend. We'd like to enter a coxed four for Gloucester and Ross regattas, but none of us are legally allowed to tow a trailer. Therefore we were wondering if we could either get a lift with someone else's trailer (we'd be happy to make a contribution to trailer costs), or, alternatively, if there's someone who needs the use of a trailer to go to that regatta and is qualified to drive one, we would be happy to lend them ours for the weekend providing our four can go on it. Contact Simon Barbour by email or on 07854206092."

Monday 13th August 2007

Rowing Service announcement: Email etc. all back to normal now. RQ.

Two sad bits of news from Leander (UK): 1972-1979 house manager John Scott died recently. A memorial service is to be held on Tuesday 14th August at 1:30pm: details on the LC homepage. Completely separately, I received this message from a club member: "I know there are a number of Leander members that are now spread around the world that will be sad to hear that Leander's charismatic janitor for the last 30 years, Bob, died in his sleep a couple of days ago. He'd been suffering from Cancer, and had been quite unwell. There is to be a memorial service in Henley and all details are available from Leander."

A website for Balmain Rowing Club (Australia), in Sydney, this year celebrating its 125th anniversary since founding.

Saturday 11th August 2007

A reminder (see SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT, below) that my Oxford account, which receives all quarrell@herald and rq@rowingservice email, is out of action today until past 18:00 BST (=GMT+1). If you want to email me, use rachel@sportsbite.com instead. Everything returns to normal on Sunday 12th August. The www.rowingservice.com pages remain unaffected, though those who access users.ox.ac.uk should switch across.

Sculler's Deck, a blog about rowing/sculling (USA).

Friday 10th August 2007

More reports and results from the junior world championships on WorldRowing, FISA's site.

Urgent notification about Maidenhead Regatta (UK) - it has been moved to Dorney Lake. It will be held at the start end, with all facilities under canvas as the Dorney boathouse is being used for other events. No times are changed, boating will be 'Tideway' style (ie bring waterproof shoes), gates open from 6:30am, and there is no racking, so trestles will be needed. Competitors and spectators are requested to park only in designated areas, not to use the boathouse end of the lake, and not to trespass on roped-off areas. Failure to observe these event rules may lead to club disqualification.

Thursday 9th August 2007

Former oarsman and now tutor/coach at Radley (UK), Angus McChesney, swam the Channel on Tuesday 7th August, in 12 hours 45 minutes. He did so in aid of an acute lymphoblastic leukaemia research project at University College London Hospital, because a boarder in his house was recently diagnosed with the disease. Donations for those who want to support Angus or the charity via this JustGiving webpage.

The poster for Cambridge Autumn Regatta (PDF, UK) is online. They're offering 'everything ans anything as long as they get two entries.'

Tyne Green County Park regeneration consultation (Hexham, UK) - there is a proposal to replace the Hexham RC/Queen Elizabeth High School facilities with a new boathouse, and the public consultation process invites comment before 7th September.

Headlines: Intercollege regatta scheduled for Xiamen (People's Daily, China, which quotes the IOC as saying rowing is one of the top five most-watched sports in the world - perhaps yes, including the Boat Race?), When would the rich and famous go to? (insight into Crackers' mentality from the Telegraph, UK), Homeless man 'Magic' helps team keep watch (WMAQ Chicago, USA), Henley fireworks a big success (St Catharine's Standard, Canada), GI earns berth in rowing championships (Military.com, USA), BRC junior women (Brockville Recorder & Times, Canada), Worcester stars close in on medal glory in Beijing (Worcester News, UK), Twins claim sculls silver (This is Local London, UK), Germany dominates world rowing junior championships heats (People's Daily, China), One year to go (BBC Sport Editor's blog, UK), High hopes for Henley (Welland Tribune, Canada), Anglers, rowers should learn to share boat ramp (Gainesville Times, USA), Wet start to Henley (St Catharine's Standard, Canada), Bryan Volpenhein (Cincinnati Enquirer, USA), Rowers seek funds, boathouse arsonists (Chicago Tribune, USA), Rowing team fan is a real livesaver (Chicago Sun-Times, USA), Camco promises to ease flooding by opening dam (Cherry Hill Courier Post, USA), Wetzel, Knorr named to rowing teams (Star Phoenix, Canada), China's crusade for gold (Globe and Mail, Canada), The bullyng power of big-time sports (News Observer, USA, not strictly about rowing but probably something which should have been said a long time ago).

Wednesday 8th August 2007

The US worlds team has been announced officially (USA). Jen Goldsack (formerly GBR lightweight) has earned the LW1x place, assuming that she gets the necessary release from British Rowing.

Canadian Henley news etc on http://www.henleyregatta.ca/ (Canada). The regatta started yesterday and runs until 12th August.

A website for the Portage Lakes Rowing Association (USA), started in 2005, and offering the rather cute option for members to pay their dues via PayPal. The club has constructed what they call 'the ultimate goosefence' to keep wildfowl off their dock (click on link to launch picture in new window).

News headlines (Beijing and related): Beijing starts countdown to 2008 Games (Reuters, UK), Rowing may be NZ's sea of gold (Stuff, NZ), We need to find athletes who have the right attitude to win golds (Times, UK), Rogge beats drum to kick off world junior rowing championships (People's Daily Online, China), Racing begins Wednesday at 2007 FISA world junior championships (USRowing press release from Row2k, USA), Germany targets six golds at world rowing junior championships: coach (People's Daily Online, China), Don't buy China's bluff (Calgary Sun, Canada), Four in a row ready for win (Village Voice, Australia), A year off, Beijing taking Games to a new level (Brisbane Times, Australia).

Headlines (other): Sports can employ millions of Nigerians (last paragraphs, The Tide, Nigeria), Food bank, shelter receive grants (Cambridge Times, Canada, tucked away a little factlet about the KW Rowing Club), Grant allocations (Guelph Tribune, Canada), Roberts rediscovers the hunger to make top eight (Brisbane Times, Australia), Sewer pipe removal to boost natural beauty (Auckland Stuff, NZ), Cooper River lures rowers and that inconveniences some neighbors (Philly Burbs, USA), Crow to fly in new direction (The Australian, Australia), Aussies in gold medal chase (Courier Mail, Australia), Cominelli and Morrissey beat defending champs by one second (dory rowing in the Gloucester Daily Times, USA), Henley makes waves: "world class" regatta marks 125th anniversary (St Catherine's Standard, Canada), Find balance between rowers and residents (Cherry Hill Courier Post, USA), Regatta rows on! (The Aurora, Canada), Coupe before the champs (World Rowing, FISA), Regattas causing a row among rowers, sailors (Asbury Park Press, USA), Quad-City rowing group finds national success (Quad City Times, USA), Polar hero Jamie inspires college kids (about Jamie Fitzgerald and Kevin Biggar, Bay of Plenty Times, NZ), Calm before storm for Uru (Southland Times, NZ - ho, see what they've done with the headline there...), High school club crew team entering uncharted waters (the Coloradoan, USA), Lake Ruataniwhat rowing regatta (Scoop, NZ), More than row, row, rowing a boat? (The Coloradoan, USA), Do it! A sport made for early birds (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, USA), Rowing team cherishes Henley (Orlando Sentinel, USA), Rowing meditation (Boston Globe, USA), Rowing propels girls into top schools (Cherry Hill Courier Post, USA), Rowing's a sparkplug for Camco's economy (Cherry Hill Courier Post, USA), Egyptian culture clash enriches travelogue (Chicago Sun-Times, USA), Impressive Canadian eight hitting on all cylinders heading to world regatta (Winnipeg Free Press, Canada), 'You have to really want it' (BBC Berkshire, UK), Canada's loss is Kingston's gain as education trumps national program (Kingston Whig-Standard, Canada), Rowing trailblazer who set the pace (The Press, NZ).

Tuesday 7th August 2007

FISA are suggesting Eton, UK for the 2011 junior worlds and Brest, Belarus for the 2009 Under-23s - reasons given in the press release linked (PDF format).

Lizzie Hodges (UL, UK) lost the carbon fibre riggers for her Filippi single (with Magik gates) in between loading the trailer at Home Countries in Cork two weeks ago, and collecting the boat from Dorney at the other end of the trip. She's racing at EUSA in a month's time and would very much like them back please. Any news or help gratefully received - ring her on 07730 575850.

SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT FROM RQ - I've had advance notice that the Oxford internet system will undergo essential maintenance during Saturday 11th August, from 0700 to 1800 BST (= GMT+1). First, since I'm in China this week it won't affect my email much as I'll mostly be picking that up at different times. if you need me urgently between those hours then either text me on +44-7710-538114, or email me on rachel@sportsbite.com instead. More importantly, the http://users.ox.ac.uk/new.html and other users.ox.ac.uk webpages will be completely out of action during those hours. However, as I have regularly said, I would prefer everyone to switch from using this and move instead to http://www.rowingservice.com and all comparable pages, including this one (new.html). If you haven't already made the switch, either on your club website or your own computer bookmarks, please do. I still maintain the users page for emergencies, but would prefer as many readers as possible to switch to the Rowing Service addresses, permanently. Thank you very much, Rachel Quarrell.

Regular daily news from the New Zealand team manager in Beijing this week (NZL).

Tasteful as ever, the UL Beach Party (26th August, UL, UK). I suspect you need to be a Facebook user in order to read the page. Or just email ulbeachparty@hotmail.co.uk for details.

As something of an antidote, the first annual Tideway Ball is being held at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (8th September, UK). Invited are all Remenham and Tideway clubs, plus Oxford and Cambridge BCs (I presume they just mean the men, since they race on the Tideway) - active and 'house' members from 18 to 80.

Monday 6th August 2007

Saturday and Sunday results from the Coupe de la Jeunesse (PDF format). Italy beat Britain by one point to the women's trophy, eight to the men's, with France third overall. Full points lists also available. There aren't any pictures in the 2007 gallery yet but hopefully there will be.

Carl Douglas Racing Shells (UK) has moved to a new workshop two miles downriver from the old premises, at Laleham, in order to increase and improve production. By the second week of August they should be back in full production. New address: Carl Douglas Racing Shells, Harris Boatyard, Laleham Reach, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8RP, England. Telephone numbers remain the same, more information on the website.

The Saturday and Sunday draws for Stourport Regatta (UK) are online (PDF format).

Results and pictures from Sudbury Regatta (UK) this last weekend. RowTV was also there for those suffering withdrawal symptoms from watching real water racing.

Friday 3rd August 2007

The Nat Champs last month (UK) had an official photographer taking pictures of medal presentations, and have now got the pictures online, where they can be bought. The most recent pictures and full winners gallery are online now or can be accessed through the official event website.

For those keen to race in the south-east UK but who thought the bad weather had ruined their chances, Maidenhead Regatta is going ahead on Saturday 11th August. They think the weather forecast is due to be great, and the link above is to the PDF poster. The entry deadline has been extended to midnight Saturday 4th August, by OARA or post. Note though that the wave of one-day postal strikes in the UK is being extended to mid-August, so those expecting to send entries (and cheques) by Royal Mail might like to think again for the next few regattas.

Row2k's features section (USA) includes full coverage of the current US team trials, which are deciding many of the US worlds team crews.

A few belated links to World Rowing stories (FISA) - New world best time for Italy during under 23 finals, Lighting the Olympic dream, Rowing's first Beijing Olympic qualifiers, Italian under 23 rowers break Germany's 15 year run, Juniors to test Beijing Olympic waters. Loads more in the news archive including race descriptions from the under-23s.

Rowing headlines around the world - Rowing, rowing Whitehall boats: life is but a dream (Downtown Express, USA), Row, row, row your boat gently down to Cairns (groan, ABC Online, Australia), Company of Strangers (New York Sun, USA, a review of a new three-part TV show which is about oarsmen friends who turn spy), Team USA looks to East for triumphant Olympic venture (People's Daily Online, China), Kiwi rowers on track for World Cup events (Marlborough Express, NZ), Key Commonwealth Games site to get �14m investment (Herald, Scotland), 'Great' turnout for river race (Pembroke Mariner & Reporter, USA), Rowing world champion a hundred years ago (Radio New Zealand, NZ), Reward and punishment (Al-Ahram Weekly, Egypt), Jo's oarsome achievement (Shropshire Star, UK), Rowing trailblazer who set the pace (The Press, NZ), Beat goes on for rower (Allentown Morning Call, USA), Stone Valley scullers have real shot at Regatta glory (Western Star, Canada), Pushing the boat out for Graigue' Regatta (Kilkenny Advertiser, Ireland), Algerian women's team on a five-day training in Canada (Algerian Press Service, Algeria), Annual regatta (Widnes and Runcorn World, UK), This shallop is just a phone call away (Washington Post, USA), More young athletes open about being gay and lesbian (Seattle Times, USA), Boatbuilding challenge Castine pair tie for second (Ellsworth American, USA), Rowers make waves (Bermuda Sun, Bermuda), Herald helpdesk (New Zealand Herald story about changing the Hobson Bay sewer, NZ), Father Hubbard (second story, Business Tennessee, USA), West Islanders medal at Pan Am Games (West Island Chronicle, Canada), News wins praise for fight to save Park (Cambridge Evening News, UK), Driving rains postpone St John's regatta (CBC - Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada), Waterford Boat Club celebrates national championship wins (Waterford Today, Ireland), Raspberry Island gets a makeover (Pioneer Press, USA), RGS oarsmen finish season on high note (Worcester News, UK), Maryland commuter eludes rush-hour by rowing to work (Peoria Journal Star, USA), In the blood (The Telegram, USA), Sask. rowers lack years, not talent (Star Phoenix, Canada), BRC earns silver, bronze at provincials (Brockville Recorder and Times, Canada), Gold lacks lustre in Uru's bittersweet win (Southland Times, NZ), Kiwis winning around the world (New Zealand Herald, NZ), Golden opportunity (Welland Tribune, Canada), Aeramoho toasts its silver oarsmen (Wanganui Chronicle, NZ), My boat ramp is your boat ramp (Gainesville Times, UK), Lofgren wins gold at world championships (Daily Pilot, USA), Bob note wins vote (Steve Redgrave comes second to Bobby Moore in a vote to see which sports figure most people would like to see on a banknote, Mirror, UK), The stench of the Kishon (Ha'aretz, Israel), Sidney grad ends crew career at MIT (Sidney Times, USA).

Thursday 2nd August 2007

Entries are open - OARA and postal - for Warwick Regatta (18th August, UK), which hopes to be one of the first regattas in the West Midlands this summer following the cancellation of Stratford, Ironbridge and Bewdley.

In memoriam Martin Bristow, who died peacefully at home in Estepona, Spain on Tuesday, aged 92. Rower at Pembroke College Cambridge with four headships (1932-35), Blue 1935, Grand Challenge Cup winner 1935 and 1938 (the second with London RC). Olympic silver M4+ in 1936, then a coach (Pembroke) and Chairman of Reading Amateur Regatta. Member of London and Leader clubs. His son (Rob Bristow, who started the first New Zealand rowing website way back when) and daughter would like to hear any stories about their dad: email rebristow - at - gmail - dot - com.

The Beijing 2007 juniors website is getting more active, and the Shunyi Olympic watersports park has now been completed - story and pictures here. Tickets for the juniors are still available - the prices are in RMB (renminbi = yuan). The exchange rate is approximately 15 RMB to the pound, 10 RMB to the euro, and 7.5 RMB to the US$.

The website for the Coupe de la Jeunesse (3rd-5th August, Varese, Italy) has been updated, and I expect results to be posted here via Canottaggio Service.

A report on the ARA's Volunteer of the year awards (UK).

Wednesday 1st August 2007

Due to red flag conditions Wallingford RC (UK) have decided to split their beginner scullers weekend in two: Saturday August 4th capsize drill; Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th river sculling. For more details please e-mail christy_amelia_job [at] yahoo.co.uk.

There are a number of Oxford colleges (UK) seeking coaches at the moment - see the coaching noticeboard on the OURCs website for more details. There are probably others who hae not yet advertised, too. Requirements vary widely, from someone to accompany a couple of outings a week to concentrate on technique, to head coaches who will set a training programme and supervise coaching for several crews. Sometimes the men's and women's clubs work separately, in other colleges they combine. Please note that these are NOT full-time jobs (typical outing times are weekends and some weekday early mornings (winter) or summer evenings), they do not mostly pay enough for highly-trained professional coaches, and they do NOT offer visas to those from overseas. The best way to do an Oxford college coaching job is to fit it around much more lucrative non-rowing employment. It is a good way for those starting out in coaching to get their foot on the ladder, and for the more experienced to earn a bit of extra cash. The top rowing colleges are likely to require highly qualified coaches and tend to pay commensurately more, though an Instructor's Award/equivalent is advisable for all colleges, as are references. Posting on the OURCs forum is restricted to those with an OU email address.

Entries for Tees Primary & Adaptive Regatta (UK) close at 10pm tomorrow, Thursday August 2nd.

Hollingworth Lake's North of England Sprint Championship (1st September, UK) is now open for entries on OARA. Cash prizes to the top senior and junior clubs. Full details online. With a nice twist, they've reduced the entry fee by a pound per seat for clubs travelling more than 100 miles to the event.

Northampton Regatta (Monday 27th August, UK) is also open for entries. 500m bank holiday sprint format, held on a sheltered reservoir (so no flooding). Full details on the PDF poster.