Sorry for the lack of coverage of days one and two – my phone was on the blink but after many international minutes talking to the lovely folks at vodafone it is once again operational.

It’s pretty sweet down here. Slightly windy today which caused a brief reversion to the ergs, but apart from that sunshine has been the main feature.

Lake side view

Torpids was a successful week for the women’s boat club, with all three crews managing to bump. The 3rd VIII bumped each day, which was a fantastic achievement, especially as Balliol was the only college to have a women’s 3rd VIII competing! The 2nd and 1st Eights both suffered from the unpredictability of bumps racing with klaxons and disallowed bumps putting an end to hopes of blades. However, the 2nd VIII managed two fantastic over-bumps and were looking stronger than a lot of the 1st VIIIs on the river. W1 spent the week fighting to get into the 1st Division but were faced with some very strong competition. We almost got there on the last day, getting tantalisingly close to a double over-bump on Pembroke, but in the end we finished the week at the top of Division 2 and will have to wait until next year to move up. River conditions weren’t in our favour this term but to all get bumps despite the little water time, is very encouraging when we look ahead to Summer Eights.

The 1st Eight are competing in the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race in March which will be a great experience for the crew to compete in a very different style of race, and in different conditions.

As we start to shift our focus to Trinity term, we are looking forward to further successes and expecting to have at least three strong crews. Our training camp over the Easter holidays will stand us in good stead for Summer Eights where each crew will be aiming for blades. The 1st Eight is currently 5th on the river and has the opportunity to become Head of the River, something each member of the crew, and indeed the boat club is determined to achieve.

Title: Men’s Training Camp
Description: Training Camp, France
Start Date: 2009-03-21
End Date: 2009-03-28