Another good day’s racing last weekend at the Oxford Falcon Hasler. As ever, a really well-run race by our nearest neighbours, who not only organised it brilliantly, but were also top club on the day, with maximum points. BDCC finished 3rd – pipped to the runner-up spot by Southampton, by just one point. Still, it’s looking good to qualify for the Hasler Finals later in the year.

There were a few first-timers out. From Carrdus School, who have been paddling with us over the summer, Alice Was 3rd in U10 Girls, and took the same spot in the U10 K2 with Hattie, while the second Carrdus boat (Zara and Martha) weren’t far behind in 4th.

Jack B did his first 4 mile K1 race (he’s too big for a Lightning!), coming 2nd in Div 10.

Also in the junior classes, Isabella M won the U12 girls, ahead of Catherine B in 3rd, and they paired up to take 2nd in the U12 K2.

The seniors weren’t complete outshone though. James B continues to rise up through the ranks, winning Div 8, and Andy Moxon was 2nd in Div 6.

In K2, Arthur and Jessie U managed to contain any sibling arguments, winning Div 3 K2 convincingly and beating the Div 2 boats in the process. Div 2 K2 was won by Joe P and Isla J – Joe having competed in the Assessment Race the day before, so probably not at his best. In fact many of us weren’t, having been at a club wedding the day before.

Max D and Andy F were another pairing to make the podium, with 3rd in Div 4.

There were promotions for Arthur to Div 1, Andy M to Div 5, James B Div 7 and Phoebe B Div 8.

Congratulations to Joe Petersen – selected to race K2 at next month’s European Marathon Championships with Tim Gannicott-Porter (Chelmsford). Also to the new Mr and Mrs Jefferies – the reason why some of us may not have been at our peak on Sunday!