This diary, log whatever you wish to call it is an “in-progress” piece of work. I’ve added the latest news and information and will add the history later as time permits. I will use this to document the trials, tribulations, agonies and effort of the London2Paris Rowing team. 

Throughout our training and exploits cameras have been present capturing whatever happens (when safe to do so). Visit the photo gallery and take a look at some of the images captured.

Please note that during the race updating this web site will not be possible. So I have created a BLOG site at http://lcrc-l2p.blogspot.com/ into which I hope, one way or another, to provide a day by day account of the race.

Sunday 27th April - The Bon Voyage Party

Realisation that the race starts in 5 days has hit the crew. So what better way to take their minds off it than to hold a “Bon Voyage” party. Thanks to Chris, landlord of the Royal Oak, we were able to invite friends, rowers, family and supporters to the party. The rowing team were able to greet our supporters from the RNLI, Jenny our Pilates coach, as well as members of the rowing team’s families.... several beers were enjoyed by the non-rowers and a fund raising raffle raised a significant amount of money for the Langstone Life Savers fund. The party was rounded off with the Victory Shanty men and our rowers and friends all joining in the rousing sea song “La Belle Paris” (see below for words and a rendition). 5 Days to go and the team are ready for the challenge!! Look out Paris we’re on our way!

19th April - the Final BIG ROW

With the Belle Founder due to return to the peace and tranquility of the river Thames the weekend of the 19th April was our last chance to row the Thames Waterman Cutter in practise for the big race. Launching the Belle Founder at midday the rowing team rowed in their normal shifts for twelve hours through to midnight. Once again the Hayling Island branch of the RNLI allowed us to use their facilities as our support base. The main objective of the days rowing was to practise the shipping of oars and to experience more night time rowing. The weather was not kind, again, at the start with constant rain and poor visibility. As the day wore on the weather eased an once the moon revealed itself the team enjoyed clear skies, calmer seas and moonlit rowing! What a way to end the preparations for the London2Paris Race.

Sunday 6th April - Practising with the Safety Boats

On a very cold, windy and snowy Sunday morning the Belle Founder and crew set off from Langstone for the easterly location of Ramsgate. There we met up with the crew of “Le Figarow” and Mike Oram skipper of one of the two safety boats to be used during the race. The objective of the day was to view the safety boats, but more importantly to learn how to work with the rigid inflatable and safety boat to have a safe transfer of rowing team and supplies. This will need to be done in mid channel so a practise was essential. However the weather had other ideas..... the wind blew up and the east coast swell was challenging and we all got rather wet! The objective was achieved and we all experienced the transfer from boat to boat.

“La Belle Paris” - A Sea Song for the London2Paris Team written by Alan Glock

The local and very talented shanty singer, Mr Alan Glock very kindly wrote and sung a rousing new song to encourage the Langstone Cutters Rowing Club’s London2Paris rowing crew on their way to Paris. You can click here to download and listen to the song. Should you wish to join in here are the words:

Into/Vamp Belle Paris (Paree), Belle Paris, Belle Paris, La Belle Paris Belle Paris, Belle Paris, Vive La Belle Paris - Yoh Chorus The waves may lift us The tide may drift us The wind may chill But the crossing will fill us With fierce endeavour Whatever the weather We’ll tie up triumphant C’est certain mais oui Mais oui, mais oui, mais oui We’ll pull all t he way to La Belle Paris 4 Pain and Rest Is this what we planned? Stiff muscles? Raw hands? The men’s aching glands? Sore back? Spinning head? But dream what’s in store When we’re finally ashore Gourmet food, wine and more: Hot bath! Feather bed. 1 The Crew and the Task A tale of two cities The best of two ditties Six men, four pretties Keep beaming your smiles Forget the worst times These are the best times Spurred by the chimes We’ll row; four hundred miles 5 The Reward Are we all Mad? Well maybe a tad Our seats brillo pads We smile the day through Recall friends who gave The lives we may save Those who suffer, so brave OUR troubles seem few. 2 The Challenge Come on you cutters Show those tut tutters Better drowned than duffers We’ve bourne all before In beret and moustache The show was no farce Think: “None shall pass” Let’s leave them in awe 6 Toasts to Sponsors, Supporters et al Thanks, Brussels Bureau For each lovely Euro A toast now apropos Old Wiley, bless their socks To physios scholastic! To supporters fantastic! Beller Founder ! Life monastic! To never hitting rocks, 3 Boasting and Brash Who says there’s a limit? We could swim it It’s not just a whim It holds little fear We’ll soon be in clover Past White Cliffs of Dover We’re racing on over Ferry men stay clear. 7 Paris and the next trip Think; small hotel Where plats du jour excel Close by La Tour Eiffel Our boat on the Seine The Louvre, Sacre Coer We’ll play connoisseur And then we’ll confer ‘Bout next year’s campaign.

Monday 24th March -- Charity Concert performed by CLaude Lorea

Claude, when not rowing, is an accomplished classical guitarist. On Easter Monday, after a busy weekend of rowing and training she played a wonderful collection of pieces from J.S. Bach, S.L. Weiss, H. Villa Lobos, F. Tarrega. The Langstone Chapel was full to over flowing and we managed to raise £350 for the Langstone Lifesavers Fund. Well done Claude!

Sunday 9th March -- Meet the Competition and Race Organisers

Fortunately for us we were able to leave the Belle Founder in Teddington for the night, which avoided having to tow the Belle Founder all the way back to Langstone Saturday evening and then back into London on Sunday.  Why did we go to Teddington? We went at the invitation of the organisers of the London2Paris race. They wanted to time a race between the two L2P boats on the river Thames and to have a meeting where both teams met and discussed various aspects of the race. A not so early start saw half of the team leave Langstone and enjoy another drive into London, fortunately traffic was light. After our arrival and a bit of careful manoeuvring of the trailer we were able to launch the Belle. A brief run down of the rules of the day and off the two crews went. They rowed up river past Kingston and under the Hampton Court Bridge. About turn and off went Le Figarow.... followed 20 seconds later by Langstone Cutters. I was lucky enough to be on a coaching catamaran so I had a stable platform from which to film the crews with Sandra taking stills (see the gallery link below). A very close race demonstrated that the two teams are closely matched; which should mean the London2Paris Race will be close!

See the photos taken by Sandra at Sunday’s photo page.

Saturday 8th March -- The “Reverse” Great River Race

In 2009 the tides on the River Thames are such that the normal Great River Race (from Richmond to Greenwich) cannot take place safely. So it was suggested that it might be possible to hold the river race the opposite way round. Start at Greenwich and finish in Richmond. The Great River Race organisers wanted to test and prove the theory so they organised for a number of Thames Waterman Cutters to row the course on Saturday. The Langstone Cutters Team were invited to take the Belle Founder and join the other cutters of Le Figarow (our competitors in the L2P Race), Arthur Alcook and George Williams along with Jolly Boat. They all set off racing along with the tide. Under Tower Bridge and through the centre of London, then  onto quieter waters of the Thames towards Richmond and the finish -- after 2 hours and 47 minutes of good rowing the L2P team arrived happy with their efforts. After loading the Belle Founder onto the trailer we set off for a refreshing beverage in a bar with a TV so the rugby supporters could watch the days matches. Then it was off to Teddington to store the boat ready for Sunday and home!

24 hours continuous rowing! -- Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th February

If you have followed the London2Paris team blog for the last few months you’ll realise that in the name of training we get up to, what appear to be, some strange things! Each month we plan a big row... and for February this involved continuously rowing the Belle Founder for 24 hours. As it was the school holidays we had a few members of our team enjoying the ski slopes of Europe so we were down to 7 rowers. Undaunted we embarked on our longest training row yet. The objective was to test the rowers capacity for duration rowing and more importantly to test the plans for feeding and supporting the rowing team. Rowing started at noon on Saturday from the top of Chichester harbour and finished in the same location at noon on Sunday. Where did we go during the 24 hours? Up and down Chichester Harbour.... that sounds boring and it was, but it was designed to test the rowers ability to concentrate for long periods at the oar. After dark the harbour offered a reasonably safe sanctuary because the cox was able to follow the main channel navigation lights to guide them up and down the harbour safely. With fantastic support from our local RNLI station we were able to row for periods of two hours at a time, switch two people out of the boat and input two refreshed rowers. The two “resting” rowers were able to change, eat and get some sleep  We tested the rower’s endurance and our ability to provide feeding support team spirit. As we had two “spare” oars we offered members of the Langstone Cutters Rowing club the opportunity to join us for two our rowing sessions. It was great to welcome Les, Paul, Richard, Rob, Sadie, Ruth and Nigel at various times during the 24 hours. The night wore on and it was clear the teams spirits were starting to flag.... but just in time, the dawn broke with a beautiful array of colours and raised the team’s collective spirit - only another 4 hours to go!  The final 30 minutes proved to be the hardest of the time, rowing up the harbour against the tide knowing you are going to have to get the boat our of the water onto the trailer when your destination is reached... all good mental training!  All in all a very good weekend of rowing... they rowed over 96 miles and managed to maintain a reasonable average speed (top secret!).

There wasn’t much time for taking pictures but a few were taken and they can be seen at our gallery.

Saturday 16th February - Another early morning and sub-zero temperatures

This London2Paris team are a hardy bunch! For yet again we started before dawn with temperature well below zero; in fact we had to scrape the ice off the oars before they could be safely used. With only five of us it was a solid row down the harbour and back. As cox it was nice to watch the dawn rise and see the waders busily feeding as the sun rose above Thorney Island.

Sunday 10th February - Sink the Belle Founder!

It’s not as bad you you first think -- honest!

Nigel had been working on the boat, adding much needed buoyancy. Now was the time to test it and see just how the Belle Founder behaved when full and partially full of water.  So a brief hard row in the harbour was followed by a discussion and preparation for what was to come next. With video camera set up and rolling, three members of the team tried as hard as they could to “roll” the Belle Founder on her side to flood her. To prove how stable the Belle Founder is it took four chaps five minutes of rocking and pushing before water poured in over the gunnels. With the boat full of water the buoyancy proved more than capable as we had the water level higher inside the boat than outside and still had several inches of gunnel above the water line. In climbed three “brave” souls (this is February and the sea is not that warm) and started baling. The rest of the rowers joined in and successfully emptied the boat of water within 6 minutes. The general opinion was that the 2 litre flexible milk bottles with their bottoms cut off made the best balers.  A very successful exercise concluded wit the Belle Founder getting a thorough hosing down, inside & out, with fresh water - she veritably sparkled at the end of the day. 

Saturday 9th February - Round Hayling again - but no record this time

Five members of the L2P rowing team along with Steve & Nigel (who are the support team) set off from Langstone late morning and decided that as the weather and wind conditions were favourable we would row around Hayling Island. Heading south east, again, down Chichester Harbour, we managed to get past Hayling Island Sailing club and out into the Solent in good time. The London2Paris rowing team had had an article in the Hayling Islander paper the previous day and when we rounded the Langstone entrance the beach was full of walkers. Some obviously recognised the boat and the team and waved encouragement; it felt good being spotted. A steady row back up the harbour and home before we ran out of water. A good time of 2 hours 44 minutes; is not a record but very respectable.

Sunday 3rd February - Sub-Zero Rowing

Let’s hope that during the race in May we don’t experience the sub-zero temperatures we enjoyed today. We set off from Langstone slipway just after dawn and rowed south east through Chichester harbour towards Hayling Island Sailing club. A gentle turnaround and head back to Langstone against the tide both directions so good practise for all concerned. One big bonus of rowing at this time of day is the lack of other craft and the beautiful sunrise.

Saturday 2nd February - Cold and Crisp Morning Row

Rowing is now a steady “marathon pace” of 24 strokes per minute at good hard pressure. Building up the stamina is now the key. Everyone is comfortable with the Belle Found and the aim is now to row long and hard. Today for example the team rowed for 2hrs 37mins (out of our 3'ish hours outing); and covered 13.28 miles at an average speed of 5mph.

Sunday 27th January - More like Spring than Winter

After a very long day yesterday the team met at 7:30am for an early start. A stiff row down to Hayling Island Sailing Club followed by a “round the Island” stint. We enjoyed unseasonable weather with sunshine, clear skies and little wind. So a long row was called for:- Rowing at low tide has its challenges.... sand banks along the coast, mud banks in the harbour and some very strange looks from the waders! A final push back from HISC to Langstone saw an exhausted crew looking forward to a rest. All in all a very busy weekend, with lots of hard rowing and close contact with the team. All very good preparation for the big race!

Saturday 26th January - Putney to Gravesend!!

A very special day for the London2Paris team -- a visit to the River Thames so here’s three accounts of the day out.... and view the pictures in the gallery

Deborah Pentesco-Gilbert describes the pleasures and the pains:  We started the day with a lie -in. These day this means a 05:45am instead of 04:45 depart!. We were off to Putney to launch the Belle in the familiar waters of the Thames. It was a brilliant row with the tide and wind along the Thames and under the bridges we normally only see while in race mode for the annual September Great River Race. On a Saturday morning in January it was decidedly more quiet, and chilly. We did though manage to approach Big Ben on the hour so were greeted with the bells and then a few river craft as London awoke.
 
My plan was to keep a regular pace and I had put on my heart monitor to see what in fact the difference was rowing the Thames versus Concept 2 rowing machine or rowing in the waters around Hayling Island. Knowing that with only 7 in the boat we would be all rowing around 5 hours also helped steady and desire to power under Tower Bridge. I started in bow and then moved to cox the crew along from Big Ben to Greenwich. Luckily the coxing was made easy with the tide meant sticking in the middle of the river and to go with the flow...
 
Having only stroked once before in the Belle, when I found myself wedged on the side of the boat I was delighted to find that the seat cushions, only garden kneelers at the moment - not exactly cutting edge rowing kit, made all the difference and once I had found my rhythm it seemed to go quite well. It was just the negotiating of the Thames Barrier with all red lights showing and some of the crew's bladders demanding a pit stop that interrupted a nice session that introduced us all for the first time to the Thames beyond Greenwich.
 
For me the other highlight of this stretch has to be the Queen Elizabeth Bridge - not because of any great architectural beauty although it did look stunning in the sunshine - which we seemed to see for miles and miles. Bless Stephen, who as cox, was trying to motivate us through a rough patch of water and a turning tide shouted " we are in the shadow of the bridge now..." well 40 minutes later and we weren't much closer and like kids on a long journey we all started to wonder if we would ever get there. Of course we did and it was around this time that I realised just how sore our lower backs and butts were going to get in this session and wow that was going to be a major factor in the race. I resorted to trying to lift one cheek and then the other to relief the pressure on my backside, it was only later that I realised that to my fellow crew mates it gave the appearance of me needing to pass wind. Honest it wasn't me - it was the factories alongside the Thames.

I must admit it was great to see Gravesend appear in our sights and to be welcomed by the support crew and the Gravesend rowing club.  While I now know I could have kept rowing if needed, and indeed in a few months time we will have to row past it , it was good to have a stretch and a cup of tea. Of course as most boating people know just arriving is not the end of the story. It is the landing and getting the boat on the trailer when you are tired that puts on the extra strain. A flat tyre on the trolley and a strong current did their best to make it more difficult but many hands indeed made light work and no one fell off the narrow pontoon, but it was close. So once warm and dry we had the pleasure of knowing that we would be back in the Belle 16 hours later to row around Hayling Island. Oddly that seems luxurious given that during the race it will be a matter of just a 2 hour break before its back on the Belle to row another stint. Bring it on.
ps. The heart monitor reported rates of between 109 - 135 depending on tide and position and chocolate consumption.

Stephen Matthews tells us a tale of two cities – or at least two parts of….
The row started in sunlight and fast moving water as we pushed off from the embankment at Putney. With a following current, smooth water and tail wind we could have stopped rowing, admired the historic scenery and still travelled at about 4 knots. Instead, with some disciplined team rowing we surfed at 8 knots and above.  It was a happy boat and chit chat abounded. Then we reached the Houses of Parliament, and just like for Peter Hain the day before, everything fell apart ! The tidal current previously pushing us on, now turned to bar our progress. The wind and tide now being in opposite directions meant the smooth water gave way to choppy waves, making the rowing stroke much more difficult. The bright cheery sunshine had been replaced by nondescript grey skies.  However none of the above had as much impact on the psyche of the team as the dramatic change in the landscape. Our passage had earlier led us between historic buildings and under world famous bridges.  Now our scenery was container ships, rusty barges and cement factories. Entering the regions of Dartford and Thurrock did nothing to improve the mood. We were now progressing at 3 knots, there was no chit chat in the boat.  We needed inspiration but we were heading for Gravesend ! From within the depths of adversity sometimes the most unlikely event can catalyse inner strength to carry on. A stray ray of sunlight, a riverside restaurant full of waving people, Steve Sagrott’s voice on the mobile saying we were nearly there !!  One of the above did the trick and we arrived at Gravesend Rowing Club to a warm friendly welcome and refreshing mugs of hot tea.

Mike Gilbert Tells us:-
The team mustered at Langstone before dawn (who said rowing was a day time hobby?) and at 6am. trundled gently, with the Thames Waterman Cutter in tow, to Putney to launch onto the Thames. We left as dawn broke sunny and crisp over a lovely still Thames scene with many sliding seats out for an early morning row. Headed downstream with the rapidly falling tide - arriving at the L2P race start at Westminster in 40 minutes as planned - then off!!!  Great rowing down the Great River Race course without the distraction of 250 other boats around you and bearing down upon you - lovely day with intermittent Sunshine and a strong westerly breeze pushing us down... Skirted with the shore at Polar rowing club - someone needed a pee - but we held off until spotting a wood pier downstream. bit muddy and smelly - but several people had a break before we restarted the rowing...
Changing rowing position every 40 minutes we pushed on down into new territory - including running the Thames Barrier - great big shelters rising way above the Belle!!

After around 3 hours the tide slowed and started to turn - the scenery got more and more industrial - including some very unpleasant smells from a chemical plant! We finally reached the Northfleet area - where the tide pushed us back whenever we stopped rowing to change position. Running later than planned we arrived at Gravesend Rowing club at 14.30 to be greeted with great hospitality - hot tea and toilets - bliss!! Many thanks to Steve & Sue and the Gravesend Rowing Club for their hospitality.  A good run back got us into Langstone for a hot tub and beer at 6.30....

Saturday 19th January - It may be Winter but the team keeps rowing

Just another Saturday in mid winter but the London2Paris Rowing were up before dawn and out on the water rowing hard. The wind and weather were on the limit of everyone’s capabilities but they managed and experienced some exciting rowing. Rowing in the dark is no fun you really have to use all of your senses to gauge the stroke rate! Stressful for some, exciting for others and a really good learning experience for all concerned.

Tuesday 1st January 2008 - New Year’s Resolution or just dedicated training?

What a way to start the new year.....  two very hardy (or is that foolish?) members of the London2Paris Rowing team braved the cold to take a dip at Hayling Seafront on New Year’s Day. Mike & Ralph, donned their speedos, waded out into the Solent and “enjoyed” a good brisk swim. Mike said “This is what we need some serious COLD WATER Training; after all the English Channel in May is not going to be that warm.”  The other team members have reserved judgement as to whether this is good or not!

Sunday 30th December - Burn off some of those Christmas Calories!

The morning dawned frosty, very cold but clear and calm so the 7 members of the London2Paris rowing team (Chris, Mike, Colin, Elaine, Deborah, Sandra and cox Steve) decided to have a good long and interesting row. We launched the Belle Founder at midday with the bare minimum of water available in Langstone Harbour. The water was mirror calm with minimal wind so we decided to take the Belle Founder out into the Solent for the very first time. After a long pull, against the incoming tide, down to Hayling Island Sailing Club we had a crew position change, some refreshment and then it was out through the harbour entrance into the Solent. A sharp turn to starboard and over the sand bar - exciting conditions. We then rowed along the sea-front passing all those folks out for an afternoon stroll (all of whom were wrapped up in the winter woollies!).  This small piece of video was taken as we rowed along the sea front.

As we approached the entrance to Langstone Harbour (between Southsea & Hayling) we saw the sea “boiling” over the sand bar - yet more exciting wave formations to cope with. This is all good preparation for the London2Paris race. Once through the harbour entrance we had another crew position change followed by a remarkably smooth row through Langstone Harbour back to the Royal Oak. As we passed through the Hayling road bridge we noted that round the island time of 2 hours 21 minutes over a distance of 13.1 miles which is a good target for the round the island race due later this year.

We rounded off the day by meeting Andrew a photographer from the Daily Telegraph. We took him out into the harbour for a photo shoot and discussion about what we are aiming to achieve. Well just on 4 months to go and the team will be getting back to their training regimes!

Tuesday 25th December 2007 -- Cold dip before the Christmas indulgences

What a way to spend Christmas - high tide at Langstone, and four crazy / brave / enthusiastic (delete as appropriate) members of the London2Paris Rowing team braved the elements and had a swim by the mill! I’m told there is some video proof - but it’s not being released for public viewing. Maye be the shivering is just too pronounced!

Sunday 16th December - Cold and Dry Training Row before Dark

Sunday dawned dry & sunny. But the tide was not until 15:15 so we had to be prepared for a brisk 2.5 hour row. Chris, Ian, Nigel, Ralph, Deborah, Steve and invited guest Richard launched the Belle Founder into Chichester Harbour. With an East South Easterly wind it was decided to row to Hayling Ferry and back. Under the Hayling Island road bridge and through the old railway bridge was a new experience for us all. Both bridges are too narrow to row through with all oars out so it’s a run up, boat the oars, float through and pick it up as quickly as possible. We powered down the harbour enjoying the speed the Thames Waterman Cutter can travel at. The whole team got into a good steady rhythm. Down to the Ferry, about turn and race for home. This time against wind and tide. So a steady hard pull back to Langstone, under the bridges and back to the slipway. It was dark by the time we loaded the boat onto the trailer so off hope for a hot cup of something! A good afternoon’s training was had by all.

Saturday 15th December - Frost Fair

This year is the 400 year anniversary of the first ever Frost Fair in 1607 on the River Thames. To celebrate eleven Thames Waterman Cutters raced past the Bankside Frost Fair and back to Blackfriars Pontoon. The London2Paris team were invited to join the race and the celebrations. So it was on a cold Saturday morning that Elaine Parkin, Steve Sagrott, Geoff Shilling, Sharon Bracher, Ralph Deter met up with Deborah Pentesco-Gilbert & Mike Gilbert on St Katherine’s pier. Assembled were 11 Thames Waterman Cutters, eight all dressed up with canopies and flags. We had our supporters as did the other boats. Off we set in a staggered start, due to Thames river rules, and rowed as fast we could. We came joint second with an overall time of 17mins 29 seconds. After clearing away the boats we all mustered on the quay side for an official welcome from the Foreman of the Manor. After processing along the quayside we were invited into a reception in the Globe Theatre. A splendid time was had by all and it was great to meet our supporters who have loaned us the Belle Founder and trailer. There were plenty of photos taken by Tom Gilbert and Colin McPhee click the links to view the galleries.

Sunday 9th December - Earls Court Boat Show Prize Giving

The Langstone Cutters London2Paris Rowing team were notified that they had WON the rowing race participated in on Sunday 2nd. Stephen was visiting the show so very kindly collected the trophy - our first piece of “silver” ware!

There was no team rowing today as the weather conditions made attempting to take a boat out too risky.

Sunday 3rd December - Training Day

Even though the team raced at Earls court yesterday it was out on the water for the London2Paris Team. Seven rowers braved the cold winds and, at times, driving rains. They rowed the Chichester harbour and experienced some cross winds not enjoyed before. All good practise for the Channel.

Sunday 2nd December - Earls Court Boat Show - Rowing Race

The Earls Court Boat Show, held from 29th November to 9th December, offered a challenge and a chance for the London2Paris team to work with one of our core sponsors - Wiley Nautical.  A crack team of eight rowers (Mike, Deborah, Sandra, Elaine, Steve, Ralph, Les and Claude), travelled to Earls Court to take part all dressed up in berets, scarves and moustaches (including the women). The race was on Concept2 rowing machines and each rower had to row 1000m as fast as possible. So a collective 8000m. Up against unknown competition the team managed a respectable time of 3 minutes 58.5 seconds. We’ll know if we’ve won next week. Run the video to view a short clip of how we got on!

If you don’t believe us watch the video below!!

Friday 12th October 2007 - Team Meeting

A London2Paris Newsletter is to be written - everyone get your thinking caps on.... an online forum has been set up for the rowers to enhance communications among the team. Two team members, Mike & Chris, are going to London tomorrow to meet with the race organisers and hopefully formalise the race and our involvement. No news yet on the loan of a Thames Waterman Cutter so we continue to use the LCRC Claytons whenever possible. Sandra/Danny have developed a 26 week overview training programme for all. Two social gathering one on 3rd November for rowers and their families and on the 9th November an RNLI fund raiser at Hayling Island Sailing Club.

Wednesday 26th September 2007 - Team Meeting

A busy meeting with lots to discuss. Two rowers decided they could not be part of the team and one more (Colin) was approached to join.  The feeling remains that we need 12 rowers at this stage to allow for potential further churn. Some discussion around the land support team took place. With the likely need for a minibus and mobile accommodation being needed. If only to provide somewhere warm and dry for the team members not rowing at that time. The cost is not small but will be worth it. It was reported that a few requests for sponsorship had been sent out with our first core sponsor agreeing to provide funding. Big thanks to CEMBUREAU for joining the race.  Following the successful nutrition evening people reported some changes in diet and well being! A Pilates programme has been offered on Saturdays to help everyone get fit for endurance rowing. “Small Rows” planned for each Saturday & Sunday between the “Big Rows” to ensure everyone keeps up their rowing fitness.

Saturday 22nd September 2007 - the first “Big Row” training day

The very first “Big Row” was undertaken. Using one of the club’s Claytons and Chris’s sail boat “Le Beano” we ventured from Langstone Mill, at 8am, down the harbour and out into the Solent. Le Beano rendezvoused with Gladys just off Portsmouth harbour entrance. We then rowed past Ryde, Osborne House and Cowes down to Gurnard buoy. Then it was about turn and head for home. On the outbound journey we were lucky with beautiful weather, calm seas a following tide and wind which came together to make a very enjoyable row. It was great to be able to practise switching rowing crews from Gladys to Le Beano and back. The rowers learnt a lot about manoeuvring themselves safely. The row back started fine but as the afternoon drew on the tide turned but wind didn’t so we had the wind over tide choppy waves to contend with. Wit the rowers getting tired, and the support crew managing to keep up we headed for home. A final crew change at the entrance to Langstone Harbour saw the rowers dash up the channel with the tide while the support crew, in Le Beano, struggled their way along Hayling sea front and round into Chichester Harbour. An exhausting day for all concerned having rowed for 10 hours and covered approximately 25 miles we ended up at the Royal Oak for a well earned glass of beer/wine/water.

12th September 2007 - Team meeting

The next meeting for the London2Paris team went well. Deborah explained her draft proposal for a Langstone Lifesavers charity fund. With a target of raising ‘say’ £50k for a mix of charities with a common theme – saving life. The Hayling Island Bike ride to Paris does a similar thing and it allows sponsors to choose a charity and nominate an amount. This was agreed in principle by the team and it was suggested that we start with RNLI and French equivalent and then see what other charities sponsors want. For raising money to underwrite the project costs – it was agreed we should develop a Sponsors fact sheet and covering letter to inform potential corporate and companies and individuals how they can help. Physical training – at this stage a general fitness programme ‘Getting You Started’ was suggested – options A, B one C given your current starting point in physical capability. A training log form was offered to all team members. At regular intervals rowers must report progress. The key thing at this stage is to build a training ‘habit’ in the gym, on the bike on the road or in a boat, building cardiovascular fitness now for greater strength & endurance later. Chris presented a paper on the rowing plan. We use the club’s Claytons until we can loan a TWC. This will build on current fitness levels of the rowers. We need to have one long row per month – suggested around the 20th of each month. Building from say 40 miles to 120/140 miles, practising all our skills – rowing, coxing, changing, etc. Saturday September 22 will be the first date with a target a row from Hayling to the Needles – in the Solent, 40-50 miles depending on conditions and team capability. Early and late tides will help to get out and back. Possible tow to Ferry Boat. For some the start of the learning process, for others conditioning and practice in rowing (not sculling). All agreed this is an essential ‘finding where we are’ event for the whole team to meet and work together in and around a boat.

29th August 2007 - team meeting

The second meeting of the London2Paris rowing team, with many more members of the team attending. The registration cheque (£250 +VAT) has been sent to Polar adventures and has been accepted; we are now on the books as entrants t o the race - scary! Discussions about renting or borrowing a Thames Waterman Cutter are on going and include the cost and insurance. Interested rowers now include Sandra Russell, Elaine Parkin, Sadie Snowden, Claude Lorea, Deborah Gilbert, Danny Heggs, Danny Wright, Ralph Deter, Chris Ellis, Mike Gilbert, Ian McClellan, Rob Evans and James Stevens. The entrance to the race either had to be self-funded by the rowers or by obtaining core sponsorship from local or national businesses. Each member of the team is charged with trying to find sponsors. Sandra/Danny H agreed to work out a fitness and nutrition programme for the rowers. Chris is to draft the in-boat training programme. This will need to be developed and tuned, initially around use of a Clayton but later a TWC when one is available. The likely programme will include regular rowing at weekends – plus personal gym and other training – Pilates; circuits. Biggest issue is not necessarily the fitness – while important – but the combination of hard exercise and lack of sleep; possible team building exercise to be organised; possible 24 hour sleepless experience to be organised?

Are we serious? We all agreed we still have a quorum, and should press on!!!

14th August 2007 - First Team Meeting

The inaugural meeting of the London2Paris rowing team took place. Those present included Chris Ellis; Sandra Russell; Deborah Gilbert; Mike Gilbert; Steve Sagrott. Those from the club who had expressed an interest in rowing included Chris, Mike, Ian, Rob, Deborah, James, Sadie, Elaine, Danny (Sandra’s fit friend) and Claude Lorea (Mike’s Belgian rowing friend). It was decided that rowers should be prepared to make the effort if ‘willing’ to ensure they are ‘able’ -- i.e. fit enough to row on and off for 24 hours a day over 6 days. They have o be prepared to train with the team to build technique, confidence and team spirit. This is an adventure and we will be relying on one another when tired and ‘at risk’. We will also need a land based crew – two vehicles 3 or 4 persons, to help transport people(when not rowing) for the last 100 miles in France as the exchanges take place from the shore. The boats for the race will be provided and we will/may be changed around from boat to boat. But we need a boat to practice in during the winter. We will need to contact the owners of a Thames Waterman Cutters to possible borrow/rent one for training during the winter.

We are going to need:

• A race philosophy – consistent with the Langstone Cutters theme…to ensure those who are willing to do it and are able to do it - are given every opportunity
• A boat to practice in - a TWC
• A strategy to row with – hours rowing, resting, coxing
• A training programme – in order to get everyone there
• Financial resources – in order to pay the entry fee and other costs

Late July 2007

The Langstone Cutters Rowing Club was email’d and members were invited to come along to a meeting to discuss the possibilities of taking part in the London2Paris Rowing Race.  It all started from here!