There's a new swagger in Henley. Building on the 4th place finish at the Nationals last year Henley show that they are not a team to be taken lightly by any competition.

Only four of the team braved the weather and camped before the race. Some took the warm option at the bed and breakfast and woke up to a hot breakfast before sauntering to the race. Most decided to make an early trek out in the morning. If anyone from the BDA reads this, how about Exeter in July again? Please! We even promise we'll make more of an effort to go to congress.

On race day the weather alternated between heavy rain, rain and sunny breaks but always with the cold wind (BDA officals see paragraph above). In the 200s Henley managed to fend off Bristol in the early race only to be edged out by 0.4 seconds by the Taniwas for a place in the major final. After the debate about whether there should be a minor final Henley lined up with the slowest times of the three. With the wind and the narrow lanes the times only measured the conditions of each race. With longtime foes BA to the right, Henley got off to a good start and held it down the course for a 4th place finish.

After a quick turnaround it was back in the boat for the start of the 500s. It was ok though because at the end of a race was the only time we felt warm and with a win it'd be a long lunch break. We got off to a good start and extended it to win by a boat length. The better our time then the better the selection for the next race.

After the break it was back in the boat to take on Thames again and a very good Secklow. We came out of the start first and raced down the course neck and neck with both Secklow and Thames. Crossing the line, the finish was too close to call but we'd come in second by 0.3 seconds. Unfortunately the minor final was chosen by times and we were off to battle Typhoon and Secklow again in the tail race. We got off to what felt like our worst start of the day but managed to claw it back and win convincingly for a 7th place finish overall in the 500s.

A respectable result but we know we can do better. Thanks to Tania and Werner on their first race as coach and captain.

Click here for more pictures and photographic evidence of Derek paying the race fees :-)