League Event: Royal Albert Dock, London

 Date: 17th April 2010
Author: Alex Walters
With London strangely quiet without a plane in the sky and City Airport being at a stand still the day began with anticipation. Not only were we positive about the weather (for once it looked like it wouldn't be snow at the first event of the season) but for the first time in a while it seemed that Notts Anaconda were in a position better than they had been for some time. With successful Winter training behind us, both off and on the water and with the recent competitive time trials- were we ready?! For me, the usual stomach nerves were kicking in and following the warm up with a motivating speech from our coach, (back in charge after some time) adrenalin was high.... For Ian O it was his first event as a race helm and with Steve participating in his first ever race- it wasn't just me!
After setting up camp, loading both the boats- which nearly involved a few swimmers as the pontoon sank! (Next time wear your waterproofs not jeans for moving the boats!) we prepared for the 200m. After a shaky start, which to be fair we still haven't grown out of! we were straight into the Reps. As Coach Mike encouraged us we carried on into the next race. With some improvement despite a slower time of 53.91 and we still aren't sure where Raging Bulls pulled a 52.35 from, as later in the day they significantly dropped off the pace.... The Tail race as our Final we finished first! beating old rivals Exe Calibre and Cool Runnings by over a second.
500m began and with a third place of 2.17.35. Setting Typhoon in our sights we went into the first rep and with a photo finish that could not separate the first two boats (2.13.55 versus 2.13.42) we were knocked into the plate competition by the stop watch (well whoever's finger that was on it). Typhoon remained in the Cup but as a crew we knew we were up there with the Premier crews once again. Great racing!
From there the objective was maximum points, with Exe Calibre getting into the Cup (with a little help from a time penalty) we had to win! And so we did. The Plate Semi we gave everything to ensure a place in the Major Final beating the strong Cool Runnings crew with a time of 2.16.12. The Major Final saw us up against Cool Runnings once again and alongside us Thames TItans and Kingston Pretenders. This was to hurt... the stroke rate was spot on, we were as one, with the engine room and exhaust giving all they had left. Our quickest time of the 500m with a 2.12.42.
Next followed the Ladies first race in conjunction with Exe Calibre and with a rapid stroke rate we managed to hold on in there for a 3rd position.
Trophy time and we got our first piece of silverware collected by Steve and this wasn't the only award he collected on the day. As fastest O1 time trial for the Men (except of course the Coach) he was awarded with his own medal by the Chairman and with Jules collecting it for the Ladies... who will it be next time?? The challenge is on....
All in all a great first event! A new set of circumstances, new boat layouts coupled with racing in the Enterprise (the green boat). I'm sure there will be a few sore legs/hips etc. Remember no pain no gain. The benchmark has been set.