AK Row to Henley 2011
 June once again saw the AK vets, young and old, make their annual three-day rowing pilgrimage along the Thames from Hammersmith to Henley. Paul Lukas tells how a busy river, fun at locks and a night on the sherry didn't stop the two crews reaching Henley in time to race the hallowed course
It was cool and still at 7:00am on the morning of Saturday the 25th June, the river calm and peaceful. Each year of late the arranged meeting time has become earlier and at this rate it will not be long before the row starts on the Friday night!
The economic climate was uncertain, but the weather forecast was for warm, settled weather. One and a half hours of preparation, however, lots of coaching launches and a strengthening breeze, and the Grand Lady had become less gentle and inviting, now choppy and changing.
The “Old Men” boated first and managed to negotiate the task of transferring the boat from the towpath to the water without either nearly dropping it or having an argument about the best way of doing this. The “Old Men” welcomed a previously uninitiated member, Alan Saunders, who promptly changed places and sides with Dave Robertson!
The row to Richmond was unsettled through the choppy water, and for once it was possible to row straight past Richmond Lock.
It was too early for Richmond Regatta, no friendly greetings this year, but soon after the regatta course the “Old Men” found the “Young Men’s” crew approaching at high speed, looking both singular and determined.
|
