A big thank you to everyone for visiting Henley last weekend for what was billed as the grand finale to the 2007/8 Henley Winter Series. As this was the first winter we could use our swanky new clubhouse we thought that this HWS would be relatively straightforward to run. How wrong can you be?! After two cancellations with the river on red boards, we thought we'd just manage to squeeze in one final event as the river was confirmed as on yellow for the crew managers briefing at 9:30. The next couple of hours certainly provided some excitement if nothing else!

Henley Dragons looking strong during the warm up

As the last couple of crews were loading their boats ready for the off, one of the safety boats returned to race control with the news that the water below Henley Bridge may be unsafe for racing. The Chief Official delayed the start of the race, and took to the water for a reccy. Unfortunately the safety boat was right and, although many of the Henley paddlers had lived to tell the tale in Wellington, it was decided that we’d be better safe than sorry.

An alternative plan was hatched - to keep the crews above the bridge and race loops round the top islands instead of heading down river. It would be a compromise and the distance would have to be shortened, but at least everyone would get to race. So the dragon boats were quickly rounded up and the plan confirmed with the crew managers and helms. There would be two rounds with 4 boats in each, and the race would follow the same formula as normal with a rolling start, but this time boats would be timed over 2 laps of the islands between Eyot and Marsh Lock.

Plans confirmed, the first four crews set off again, while crews 5-8 returned to the catering tent for further sustenance and to warm up! The first round of the newly devised event finally got underway, and provided some well earned excitement for the bank team who don’t normally get to watch the turns, as the crews had to round an island almost immediately after the start.

Meanwhile the river was still running fast and the news filtered through that Hambledon Lock (the lock below Henley) had gone onto red. Everyone was keeping everything crossed as the race progressed but the river was rising as we watched. As the first crew, Kingston Pretenders, rounded the lower bend for the second time the fateful call was received that Marsh Lock had just gone on red too.

There was no choice but to pull all boats off the water as quickly as possible – which meant the other three crews were stopped as they came down for their first lap, and Kingston Pretenders were the only crew to make it round the two lap course. Frustration for everyone concerned, but the paddlers took the decision in a very gracious manner and packed up ready to hit the pub!

The faces say it all as MI Tritons hear that the race is off

Thank you to everyone for bearing with us as we dealt with the problems being thrown at us - it must have been very frustrating, and cold. The conditions below the bridge worsened very quickly and the river that was deemed safe when the boats began loading, was unsafe 10 minutes later. We made a decision and formulated the alternative plan as quickly as we could and the event would have still been a success if it wasn't for the rainwater joining the wind in trying to thwart us!  
 
Incidentally the river level was 6 inches below the landing stage when it was first checked at 7:30am, and Steve Lawrence reported that it was 2 foot up over the landing stage by 4pm! Impressive huh?

As the race did not go ahead, Henley Dragons have agreed to refund half of the entry fees to all competitors. This is optional, and we are grateful to our friends Kingston Royals who have decided that they do not require a refund. We would also like to thank Kingston for the donation of the stunning Kingston Trophy, which will be awarded to the fastest Club crew at the Henley Winter Series each season from now on. The trophy was originally won by a Kingston open crew at an event in Taiwan, and the donation is a great way for them to support our new initiative this year to provide a separate racing class for Club crews at HWS. Simon Blackburn from Kingston Royals is pictured donating the Kingston Trophy to Mark Hipgrave, Chairman of Henley Dragon Boat Club.
 
There are some other people without whom the event would not be possible, and Henley Dragons would like to thank them for their support:

• The Crew Managers - who have the thankless task of trying to scrape together enough paddlers to form a crew, dealing with all the paperwork, boat transport and money
• Janet - our photographer - many of you will have seen the fantastic photos from last year's HWS on Facebook. These and more will be available on henleydragons.com soon (Feb 08 event now available!)
• Thames Rescue who provide the safety boats for the event - a special thanks for dealing with the problems at the last event in such a prompt and professional manner
• The Horns - for ensuring there were enough Sunday roasts to go round on each HWS Sunday, and for their kind sponsorship of the HWS1 medals
• Red Bull - for giving us wings - the energy was sadly under-used on the water but no doubt helped with the journey home
• Tina from MI Tritons who travelled the furthest to take part in HWS yesterday - all the way from Newcastle! At least you got one lap in Tina ;o)
• BA Hurricanes and Masters International - the 2 teams who have been with us through thick and thin, sending at least one crew to every single HWS event we have ever run. This was the 12th HWS that they have been at!

Although the last event didn't quite go as planned, we didn't forget to crown the Henley Winter Series winners for HWS 2007/8. 
 
As already mentioned, this was the first season that medals were awarded to the fastest Club crew at each event. It was also by sad coincidence the first year that Henley Dragons were not the fastest Club crew at each event(!). Having said that, we can't think of a more worthy winner of the medals at the first two HWS events and therefore the new Kingston Trophy than our arch rivals Kingston Royals. Mark Hipgrave, Chairman of Henley Dragon Boat Club is pictured presenting the Kingston Trophy to Simon Blackburn from Kingston Royals. Deja vu anyone?! We must quickly add (to make ourselves feel better) that Henley's Club course record of 33 mins 20 secs still stands from the first HWS season!
 
The overall trophy has been a closely fought battle between two composite crews throughout the history of the Series. This year Masters International stole back the overall honour from Senior Contenders who've held the shield for the last two seasons. Congratulations to the Masters International crew, who have been using the HWS as training for their forthcoming trip to China. Good luck! Peter Rance is pictured proudly showing off the HWS overall winners shield.

So, it’s all over for another year. All that remains is a pile of abandoned paddles and muddy shoes so please let us know if you’ve lost anything….

Once again thank you to all the competitors who have taken part in the Series this winter. At least it wasn’t boring! Henley Dragons look forward to racing with you all at the BDA League events this season, and seeing you back in Henley next winter. Fingers crossed!