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Regatta Training Update Week 2 & 3

To all Regatta Volunteers

We have now successfully completed our second week of Regatta Training and we are therefore half way there. For the mathematicians,144 sessions delivered,144 to go!

Conditions

Fortunately, the weather has been much kinder during Week 2 and those regatta crews that went out in Week 1 have really noticed the difference. While we have had no “red boards” and quite a lot of sunshine, our valiant coxes have had to deal with strong cross-winds, particularly during the second half of the week. I believe these conditions will continue into Week 3.

In response, Session Managers have been allocating more experienced Coxes to novice crews and vice versa. This has worked well and should be continued.

By the end of the Regatta Training season we should hopefully end up with a significantly larger group of “coxes for all seasons”.

Boats

We have obviously been carrying out minor running repairs throughout the first 2 weeks – typically the occasional bent rudder, various seat problems and replacing / tightening nuts, bolts, straps etc. I also need to report that Ratty has suffered some sax-board damage at stroke (opposite the rigger) almost certainly caused by a rower getting his or her handle caught on either Thursday or Friday. An assessment is needed as to how this is repaired / made safe. I am also concerned about a potentially sharp edge which could cause injury to a novice stroke.

For now, I would recommend that:

All coxes be aware of the current condition of Ratty
That Ratty be made safe – tape?
Given that all 4 boats have been subject to 2 weeks heavy usage, that they be checked over by the Captain of Boats during a Club session?
That all coxes remember to REPORT DAMAGE as soon as it happens.

 Helpers

During the first week and a half, we have enjoyed a fantastic level of helper support from people like Jimmy, Andrew and others. This has tailed off during the second half of Week 2 so…if you are not a Cox or a Session Manager, there is always plenty to do and Session Managers would really appreciate an extra pair of hands to set up sessions, help crews in and out and provide an extra pair of eyes etc..

E-Allocator

As a number of you have reported, some crews have been booking themselves in as Coxes rather than as Crews. This obviously means that some potential coxes can’t clearly see vacancies while others are reluctant to over-write someone else’s booking.

On Friday, I sent an individual message to each of these crews asking them to delete and rebook. At the same time, I sent a message to ALL crews asking them to beware of this pitfall. Since the response to these messages was not immediate, and other crews have done the same thing during the past 48 hours (moving target), I have today called or left messages for as many crews as possible and have sent further messages to them all via e-allocator.

In light this, and if you are wishing to book in as a cox, please now feel free to over-write a crew entry in the Cox column. The crews have been advised / warned that they run the risk of being turned away unless they rebook.

Resourcing for Week 3

I am pleased to report that Thursday and Saturday are currently fully resourced (although things can change!).

I am still short of the following:
A Session Manager for Friday, 6th July
A number of Coxes for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
The overall position is a follows:

WEEK 3 RESOURCING PER E-ALLOCATOR – 1st JULY

Day Date Session Coxes Coxes Coxing
Manager Required Available Shortfall

Mon    25 June 2012     Tracy     4 2 -2
Tues   26 June 2012     David P  4 3 -1
Wed   27 June 2012      Karl        4 3.3 -0.7
Thur   28 June 2012    Tim Gill  4 4 0
Fri      29 June 2012      ?              4 3 – 1
Sat     30 June 2012      Geoff      4 4 0
24 19.3 -4.7

Once again, please volunteer and close off as many of these gaps as you can.

With thanks and best regards,

Geoff.

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Regatta Training – Update and Appeal for Week 2

Dear Volunteers,
Regatta Training is now in full swing and we have already completed 3 fun-packed evenings!  By way of a real bonus, 2 members who completed the mini “Learn 2 Cox” session earlier this year have stepped up, overcome their initial fears and have performed way beyond expectations!  My special thanks to them – they know who they are! . I have also very much appreciated the help and good company of 2 stalwart helpers in Jimmy and Andrew.
My sincere thanks to everyone (not forgetting Andy, our Captain of Boats) who have made this possible.
Week 1 is now fully resourced and is essentially “in the bag”.
HOWEVER, and before we get too complacent, Week 2 is far from secure and I am therefore launching yet another appeal for help.
The Week 2 situation is currently as follows:-
WEEK 2 RESOURCING  PER E-ALLOCATOR – 21st JUNE
Day Date Session Coxes Coxes Coxing
Manager Required Available Shortfall
Mon 25 June 2012 ? 4 1 3
Tues 26 June 2012 David P 4 4 0
Wed 27 June 2012 ? 4 0 4
Thur 28 June 2012 ? 4 2 2
Fri 29 June 2012 ? 4 2 2
Sat 30 June 2012 Tim Gill 4 0 4
24 9 15
You will see that I am missing:
  • 4 Session Managers (where are they all?)
  • a large number of Coxes.
While I am aware that a number of you may be “holding back”, please consider my well-being and get yourselves booked in as soon as possible!!  I would hate any Session Manager having to cancel a training sessiohn for lack of support
Thank you
Geoff.
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Regatta Training

Training takes place every evening this week from 6.30 to 8.45 at the BoatClub. Please turn up in plenty of time for your session to get the maximum time on the water!

Click here to go to the E-allocator to see timings for training sessions.

Click here to see river conditions

  • If you can cox or Session Manage (or both), please email Geoff by return at gcarnold@tiscali.co.uk or give him a call on either 01189-844139 (H) or 0782 787 1714 (Mob)
  • If you are unsure or want to know more about what’s involved, give Geoff a call.
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Regatta Call for Volunteers

Dear Club Member,

As you are all aware, the Club will be hosting the annual Goring & Streatley Regatta which will take place on Saturday 21st July.

Building on the success of the recent Goring & Streatley Jubilee Pageant, the Regatta will add considerable momentum to our drive to raise our profile in the community, to generate funds and to secure a permanent home for the Club.  Under the leadership of Ros Crowder, a core group of volunteers has ensured that all the necessary planning is in place and within a week or so of opening for entries, more than 40 of the 50 crew places had already been taken.

The real challenge – mobilising as many members as possible to volunteer a few hours to help out – now begins!  Rest assured that there is a guaranteed job for everyone and even if you have not done so previously, please get involved.  It is always great fun and you will be supported all the way.

We are calling for volunteers in 2 main areas:

  1. Regatta Training
  2. A range of other key tasks before, during and after the Regatta.

 

1. Regatta Training

This years training sessions are being organised by Geoff Arnold who has asked me to pass on the following appeal:

The Challenge:

  • As in prior years, each crew entered will receive 4 progressive training sessions spread over a four week period starting on Monday 18th June
  • Training sessions will run Monday to Friday (6:30 pm to 8:45 pm) and Saturday mornings (10:00 am to 12:15 pm)
  • We can expect to have to have up to 4 restricted fours on the water for each training session and each boat will need to complete 3 outings of 45 minutes per crew!
  • This adds up to a staggering: 12 individual outings per training session, 72 outings per week or 288 outings over the 4 weeks of training!

What we need:

  • Session Managers for a total of 32 sessions
  • Coxes to steer the Regatta Crews through their preparation

Ideally we need

  • A core group of 6 experienced Session Managers (you know who you are) who can commit to cover one session per week.
  • Any member who has already coxed, has recently attended an initiation to coxing or is keen to give it a go, to sign up for one or more evenings per week.

Support

For anyone interested in developing their skills as a cox, this is the ideal opportunity to learn without the pressure of coxing fellow members and in what should be fine conditions.

 

Even if you’ve never coxed before or are worried about the commands etc., we will be there to help and encourage.  Remember that for all of us, this is about acquiring new skills, meeting lots of new people and above all, having fun!  Geoff will be on hand to provide a briefing for Coxes and Session Managers new to regatta training on both Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June at 11:00 am and should also be on site for most training sessions.

Next Steps

  • If you are able to Cox or Session Manage (or both), please email Geoff by return at gcarnold@tiscali.co.uk or give him a call on either 01189-844139 (H) or 0782 787 1714 (Mob)
  • If you are unsure or want to know more about what’s involved, give Geoff a call

All volunteers will receive:

  • Log-on details and a password to the e-allocator application (the key to our resource planning)
  • A free copy of the GGBC Coxing Handbook (in glorious colour)
  • Guidance Notes for Coxes and a laminated checklist for use on training days
  • Guidance Notes for Session Managers and a tailored checklist for running regatta training sessions

 

2.  Pre – Regatta Tasks and Regatta Day

In addition to Regatta Training, we will also need an army of volunteers to help in a variety of ways in the days immediately before, during and after the Regatta. Volunteers for these tasks are being co-ordinated by Stewart Cowen and include:

  • Distributing leaflets and posters at local events, in the workplace and local businesses
  • Setting up the Regatta site itself
  • Transporting boats and other equipment from Whitchurch to the site
  • Signage and various displays
  • Manning “race control” on the day
  • Coxing crews on the day
  • Marshalling crews and cars
  • Manning the bar
  • Admin and Finance support to the Treasurer

If you are able to help in any way please contact Stuart Cowen at stuartcowen@ntlworld.com. who holds the definitive list of all vacancies!  No previous experience is required and all offers of help will be much appreciated regardless of whether it’s a couple of hours or a whole day.

With best regards,

Hugh