M1 at the Head of the River Race 2008

» Video Footage from Hammersmith Bridge (Courtesy of Olay)

This term, the First Men entered the Head of the River, along the Championship course in London, for the first time in several years. This meant a very low placed start for the boat. Having sat on the Tideway for a couple of hours, we finally paddled down below the start line at Chiswick Bridge.

We felt it appropriate that we started immediately behind a Champs boat called 'The Fort St. George', and passed them quickly, about halfway between the start line and Barnes Bridge. At a cracking rate 32, we gained steadily on the crews around us, with Rich calling our technical focus every minute. Although the weather was calm, and the river apparently flat for the tideway, the apparent choppiness became more of an issue as we tired. Coming under Hammersmith Bridge, a hefty Peterhouse contingent cheered us under, and we were glad to give a spectacle, as we passed two boats racing side-by-side under the bridge. We pushed out of Hammersmith, but couldn't sustain it, having already raced further than ever on the Cam.

Coming past Fulham football ground, we knew the end was near, and a push the the finish carried us over the line. With this new experience, and higher starting place, a boat going to try their luck again next year should be rewarded with a faster time. Having pulled back in to Furnivall Gardens, and de-rigged the boat, the crew and the support party sojourned to the pub for a well-earned pint.