4th May 1997

Mixed fortunes for Brits in Seattle

British crews met with mixed results at the 1998 Windermere Cup Races Saturday, May 2nd on Seattle's Lake Washington. The British women's national team easily pulled away from the defending women's collegiate champions from the University of Washington. Meanwhile, Notts County's lightweights found the going rough as they lost a much anticipated-by Washington at least-rematch with the Univeristy of Washington heavyweight men, also the defending American collegiate champions. Notts County broke up Washington's undefeated season in 1997 with their win at Royal Henley.

Mike Spracklen's women jumped out early in a brisk headwind that slowed the winning time to a ponderous 6:37.22. Washington's women never featured in the race, but managed to hold off a game challenge by their college rivals from the University of Virginia.The British win was the first time since 1991 that a visiting crew had beaten the Washington women in this hometown regatta.
"This is a great event," said Spracklen afterwards, " and a good way to start our year."

Notts County's lightweights found the headwind less hospitable as they were grilled soundly by the bigger and stronger Washington men. Indeed, Washington was stroked by Bob Cummins, member of the 1997 U.S. world champion eight, and anchored by Canadian eight member David Calder. Washington crossed the line in 5:57.40 and NCRA followed in six seconds later.

The Notts county heavyweights plucked up their strength in the final 500 meters as they rowed through Washington's second varsity for a win in the Windermere Cascade Cup event, a supporting race to the title Windermere Cup.

The Windermere Cup Regatta is a Seattle event unto itself, with huge boisterous crowds lining the final 750 meters of the race course and live television coverage of the racing.

© Copyright Chris Milliman, 1997.