At Molesey Regatta, the Men’s Novice 8 entered the event having had just one late evening outing. It was the second time this composite crew (with the exception of stroke man Josh) had raced and was made up of the Novice 4 (Tony Gilbert, Nick Hallwood, Mike Trotman and Jonathan Cotterill) and half of the squad 8 which qualified for the Thames Challenge Cup at Henley this year (Josh Kerman, Tom Westcott, Neil Wands, Lee Turner and cox Bruno Hallwood).

With the whole crew doubling up for other events, this was to be hard day’s racing, not to mention a logistical nightmare!

Growing up I never pictured myself as the sort of person who dwells at the side of the Thames during Henley, let alone races in it, but you must never underestimate the unpredictability of life and the change a year can make.  And so there I was on the 3rd of July; sitting parallel to the Thames Tradesmen eight ready to race the first race of the tournament.  Some of you will know me as Neil, unfortunately most probably know me as “magic” by now, for reasons I won’t disclose on the boat club web site.  This is a quick piece about Henley from my perspective.