Today was our final day on tour,
And for all it was bitter sweet. They had the excitement of racing in the Windemere cup but the sadness of finishing such a great tour.
It was an early start as we headed down to the UW for the regatta. The regatta had a very different feel from anything else the girls have experienced. It is seen as more of an exhibition of rowing and a chance to showcase some top level crews across the USA and internationally then a formal regatta. The whole regatta is used as a curtain raiser to the 4 hour parade of boats and yachts to signify the opening of the boating season in North America. The regatta had a great feel and buzz to it. Everyone was there to have good time from both a spectators point of view and the competitors.
The regatta is structured as a one race final with races leaving every 2 minutes. Our first crew was the quad and they had the worst lane (by a long way) which meant that all the other crews in there race where swept across by the wind in front of them pushing our girls almost off the course. In saying this the girls rowed very well and all the girls said it was the best they had felt the boat move. A special mention to Yvette who was told right before the race at the Cox meeting that "being cox in a bow riding quad in the wind from an outside lane is the hardest place to be in the entire regatta", so she did well just to steer the boat across the line let alone tell the crew what they were doing.
The eight followed 2 minutes later and they drew a far better lane. However a boat malfunction in seat 6 (the seat came off) at the start of the race put our girls about a boat length behind all the other crews. From this point the girls did amazingly well to get back and come 3rd almost taking 2nd. The crew flew past to other crews after there seat malfunction was fixed so they also rowed a very good race. Well done to all.
We are flying out of Vancouver at 11:40 pm Saturday night and will arrive at Sydney at 8:10am. From here the girls have decided to go to the athletics carnival once they arrive. It would be a great help if any parents are at the airport and are willing to transport our girls out to homebush for the carnival.
This tour has been a fantastic opportunity for the girls and also the staff. The girls have had some amazing experiences and have really left there mark at the two regatta's they participated at. They have been excellent ambassadors of Pymble and in many cases Australia as well. You should all be very proud of them on some excellent results in rowing. The girls have formed some great relationships abroad and have strengthened alot of the friendships amongst the team. Personally I found the tour an absolute delight. I have had the chance to view some fantastic schools and sports programs as well as meet some very interesting people and future contacts for the benefit of the College. Both Mark and Gill have been amazed at how much all the girls skill, stamina and team work has improved over the tour.
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Mrs V. Waters, Mrs J. Shaw and Mr C. Anderson who without there approval and support this tour would not have been such a success. Also a special mention to Kelli Jane Stapp who also helped with the preparation of the tour as well.
As well a big thank you to all the parents for your support.
BUT
Most all to the girls who really made the tour an amazing trip for all involved, Thank you and see you at the airport.
Tom
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Thursday in Seattle
With two days and counting until the regatta the excitement is building towards Saturday.
We begun the day with a Seattle Duck tour. This was not a tour of the north American migrating birds to Puget sound and lake Washington but rather a fun and lively city tour on a world war two amphibious vehicle commonly known as "ducks". The tour was a unique way to see Seattle from land and see and included a very funny tour guide who kept the girls entertained with on board dancing, singing and games. The name "ducks" came from WWII when the Americans used the vehicles to storm beaches and because the vehicles moved so slowly (like ducks) and you had to sit down in them they called themselves sitting ducks, hence came the name "ducks".
After this we visited the Experience music project a music and science fiction museum which has some incredible history on the music scene in Seattle and across the world. The museum also includes an extensive "hands on" section where the girls got to play all different instruments, make there own song or play in a band. Good fun for all.
Following this we had a 2 hour rowing session. Again out of lake union rowing club and this time finishing at the university of Washington. The session was again very productive and we are focusing on getting the girls mentally prepared for such a big event. This will be the biggest regatta for all the girls in regards to spectators. Boats are already moored and lined all the way down the course. It looks to be a regatta they will never forget. They are rowing very well and Gill is happy with their progress in the sessions and "have applied themselves to the task".
Tomorrow we are taking a tour of the university of Washington (UW) and the girls are meeting the head coach of UW Bob Ernst to show us the $18 million UW boat shed and introduce us to university rowing. The girls will also squeeze in one last row before Saturday.
2 days and counting.
Tom
P.S. If you are intending to see the girls at the airport upon return and are willing to transport them to Homebush for the athletics carnival please let them know on Saturday. It would also be helpful if you are able to take a few other girls in the team.
We begun the day with a Seattle Duck tour. This was not a tour of the north American migrating birds to Puget sound and lake Washington but rather a fun and lively city tour on a world war two amphibious vehicle commonly known as "ducks". The tour was a unique way to see Seattle from land and see and included a very funny tour guide who kept the girls entertained with on board dancing, singing and games. The name "ducks" came from WWII when the Americans used the vehicles to storm beaches and because the vehicles moved so slowly (like ducks) and you had to sit down in them they called themselves sitting ducks, hence came the name "ducks".
After this we visited the Experience music project a music and science fiction museum which has some incredible history on the music scene in Seattle and across the world. The museum also includes an extensive "hands on" section where the girls got to play all different instruments, make there own song or play in a band. Good fun for all.
Following this we had a 2 hour rowing session. Again out of lake union rowing club and this time finishing at the university of Washington. The session was again very productive and we are focusing on getting the girls mentally prepared for such a big event. This will be the biggest regatta for all the girls in regards to spectators. Boats are already moored and lined all the way down the course. It looks to be a regatta they will never forget. They are rowing very well and Gill is happy with their progress in the sessions and "have applied themselves to the task".
Tomorrow we are taking a tour of the university of Washington (UW) and the girls are meeting the head coach of UW Bob Ernst to show us the $18 million UW boat shed and introduce us to university rowing. The girls will also squeeze in one last row before Saturday.
2 days and counting.
Tom
P.S. If you are intending to see the girls at the airport upon return and are willing to transport them to Homebush for the athletics carnival please let them know on Saturday. It would also be helpful if you are able to take a few other girls in the team.
Wednesday in Seattle
Wednesday morning was a jam packed day.
We begun with a tour of the Boeing aeroplane plant. This was a spectacular tour with many ohhhhhh! and Ahhhhhh! moments. The plant is the biggest building by volume in the world. It is where 747, 777, 787 planes are made and it is truly a site to see. The building is 11 million cubic metres, 11 stories tall, there are 30000 employees, 7 restaurants, 72 indoor cranes, 1 million lights, 800 ice rinks can fit inside it, the doors are as big as a football field, it is open 24 hours a day and the employees get around on bikes. It was incredible to see the assembly line of such huge machines and the girls really found it interesting. Uunfortunately you are not a loud to take photos so you will just have to believe me that is was pretty spectacular.
The next stop was Lake union rowing club for training. The day was the clearest and warmest day Seattle has had since the start of the year so rowing was a pleasure for the girls. We took some great photos of Mount Rainier in the back ground (i will load later today).
Following the training session we all had a quick shower and headed out to a Major league baseball game. Again the girls had an absolute ball (excuse the pun), there was singing, dancing, hot dogs, throwing peanuts and so amazing views. Somewhere in between that we watched some baseball as well. The girls loved it and it was a great opportunity to see the American culture in all its star spangle banner glory.
Good fun was had by all.
I will load more photos up this afternoon and will fill you in on all of Thursday's action.
Regards,
Tom
We begun with a tour of the Boeing aeroplane plant. This was a spectacular tour with many ohhhhhh! and Ahhhhhh! moments. The plant is the biggest building by volume in the world. It is where 747, 777, 787 planes are made and it is truly a site to see. The building is 11 million cubic metres, 11 stories tall, there are 30000 employees, 7 restaurants, 72 indoor cranes, 1 million lights, 800 ice rinks can fit inside it, the doors are as big as a football field, it is open 24 hours a day and the employees get around on bikes. It was incredible to see the assembly line of such huge machines and the girls really found it interesting. Uunfortunately you are not a loud to take photos so you will just have to believe me that is was pretty spectacular.
The next stop was Lake union rowing club for training. The day was the clearest and warmest day Seattle has had since the start of the year so rowing was a pleasure for the girls. We took some great photos of Mount Rainier in the back ground (i will load later today).
Following the training session we all had a quick shower and headed out to a Major league baseball game. Again the girls had an absolute ball (excuse the pun), there was singing, dancing, hot dogs, throwing peanuts and so amazing views. Somewhere in between that we watched some baseball as well. The girls loved it and it was a great opportunity to see the American culture in all its star spangle banner glory.
Good fun was had by all.
I will load more photos up this afternoon and will fill you in on all of Thursday's action.
Regards,
Tom
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
First full day in Seattle
Today was our first full day In Seattle. We begun the day with a guided Bus tour of Seattle. The stops included the Seattle space needle, University of Washington and the Pikes Place market area. The weather was fantastic and the girls had a wonderful time learning a lot about the city. The highlight for everyone was the Pike place market. This is wonderfully colourful shopping village with an abundance of lively merchants and unique shops. Men throwing fish fifteen feet, vintage book stores, Rastafarian shops, the original starbucks shop, fresh food merchants, soul singing busking groups are just a few things that we saw. It was also a chance for the girls to get some shopping done. Which as I was assured was "More of need then a want Mr Kindred, It just has to be done at these sorts of prices!" (Freya and Yvette).
Following our tour and visit to Pike place markets we ventured off to our first rowing training at Union Lake rowing club. This was by far one of the most unique and interesting rowing clubs ever seen, even by Mark and Gills standards. The Club is essentially a very large house boat. It has 4 levels, with a fully equipped gym, bar, boys and girls change rooms, Indoor rowing tank, pontoon and a boat shed with around about 60 boats, all this in a club that floats. It was a great session for the girls the 8 and the quad got to row past some fantastic house boat suburbs and then through the Cut past the University of Washington, this is the same course the girls will race on Saturday.
So far Seattle is fantastic and the girls are having a ball. The rowing is looking good as well.
Regards,
Tom
Following our tour and visit to Pike place markets we ventured off to our first rowing training at Union Lake rowing club. This was by far one of the most unique and interesting rowing clubs ever seen, even by Mark and Gills standards. The Club is essentially a very large house boat. It has 4 levels, with a fully equipped gym, bar, boys and girls change rooms, Indoor rowing tank, pontoon and a boat shed with around about 60 boats, all this in a club that floats. It was a great session for the girls the 8 and the quad got to row past some fantastic house boat suburbs and then through the Cut past the University of Washington, this is the same course the girls will race on Saturday.
So far Seattle is fantastic and the girls are having a ball. The rowing is looking good as well.
Regards,
Tom
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Sunday at Brentwood
Today (Sunday) was our final day of racing at Brentwood.
The girls were up and on the bus this morning at 5 am this morning. This was indeed a challenge itself as the girls had the regatta dance the night before and we didn't get back to the hotel till about 10:30 pm. None the less our girls endured the cold weather and tiredness to race in the Junior Varsity 8 at 6:30. This was a very high standard of racing similar to a under 19 8 at nationals to give a comparison. The girls still rowed very well and came away with a respectable 5th.
The next set of races were 4's. Our girls really enjoyed these races and again rowed very well against some very tough competition. Suz, Phoebe, Josie, Gen and Grace raced in the junior varsity A four and came 1st in there heat and 3rd overall. A truly incredible effort, they rowed brilliantly despite a lot of nerves about the event and Josie was quoted saying at the start line "If this is the end, it has been nice rowing with you all".
The 2nd four consisting of Maddie, Georgia, Micha, Jana and Grace also found success rowing in the Junior B four and coming 1st in there heat and overall. A great row and also a fantastic time. The girls looked strong the whole race and led form start to finish. It was great to see the twins get a medal together in the same boat.
A special mention has to go to the 3rd four who were in the same event and although they were an exhibition crew (could not win a medal) they still managed to get the 3rd fastest time overall in that event. So a big congratulations to Yvette, Freya, Laura, Julia, Annabelle.
One of the most gallant efforts of the day had to go to Serena. Serena rowed in the Junior Varsity B double with Annabelle and came 3rd overall, she then backed up straight away not getting out of the boat to row again with Laura in the Junior Varsity A double. Again a very high standard of rowing, several of the girls they were against were the best rowers at their schools, some on scholarship to American universities starting September and most were 19. Serena and Laura did amazingly well to come away with 4th and showed some real determination and skill to row and get that result.
Overall Pymble came 17th our of 41 schools and 9th in the girls standings. This is an amazing result especially as we only have 16 athletes. If the competition points were relative to the size of the school we would have won the entire regatta. Amazing results!
As we left Brentwood today and Canada tomorrow the girls are a bit said leaving all the good times behind. However they have all made some fantastic friends from around the world and have left a real impression and legacy at the regatta which Im sure will be continued in the future.
Tomorrow we head to Seattle to set our sights on the Windemere Cup. We have organised to train with a variety of school and club crews down at Seattle most of which were so impressed with our results at Brentwood that they asked to train with us.
As we are just past the half way mark of the trip the girls are all on cloud nine and looking forward to racing again. Some are a bit tired...to say the least, so over the next few day we will look to recharge the batteries after 3 very big days and enjoy Seattle and all it has to offer.
Stay tuned.
Tom
The girls were up and on the bus this morning at 5 am this morning. This was indeed a challenge itself as the girls had the regatta dance the night before and we didn't get back to the hotel till about 10:30 pm. None the less our girls endured the cold weather and tiredness to race in the Junior Varsity 8 at 6:30. This was a very high standard of racing similar to a under 19 8 at nationals to give a comparison. The girls still rowed very well and came away with a respectable 5th.
The next set of races were 4's. Our girls really enjoyed these races and again rowed very well against some very tough competition. Suz, Phoebe, Josie, Gen and Grace raced in the junior varsity A four and came 1st in there heat and 3rd overall. A truly incredible effort, they rowed brilliantly despite a lot of nerves about the event and Josie was quoted saying at the start line "If this is the end, it has been nice rowing with you all".
The 2nd four consisting of Maddie, Georgia, Micha, Jana and Grace also found success rowing in the Junior B four and coming 1st in there heat and overall. A great row and also a fantastic time. The girls looked strong the whole race and led form start to finish. It was great to see the twins get a medal together in the same boat.
A special mention has to go to the 3rd four who were in the same event and although they were an exhibition crew (could not win a medal) they still managed to get the 3rd fastest time overall in that event. So a big congratulations to Yvette, Freya, Laura, Julia, Annabelle.
One of the most gallant efforts of the day had to go to Serena. Serena rowed in the Junior Varsity B double with Annabelle and came 3rd overall, she then backed up straight away not getting out of the boat to row again with Laura in the Junior Varsity A double. Again a very high standard of rowing, several of the girls they were against were the best rowers at their schools, some on scholarship to American universities starting September and most were 19. Serena and Laura did amazingly well to come away with 4th and showed some real determination and skill to row and get that result.
Overall Pymble came 17th our of 41 schools and 9th in the girls standings. This is an amazing result especially as we only have 16 athletes. If the competition points were relative to the size of the school we would have won the entire regatta. Amazing results!
As we left Brentwood today and Canada tomorrow the girls are a bit said leaving all the good times behind. However they have all made some fantastic friends from around the world and have left a real impression and legacy at the regatta which Im sure will be continued in the future.
Tomorrow we head to Seattle to set our sights on the Windemere Cup. We have organised to train with a variety of school and club crews down at Seattle most of which were so impressed with our results at Brentwood that they asked to train with us.
As we are just past the half way mark of the trip the girls are all on cloud nine and looking forward to racing again. Some are a bit tired...to say the least, so over the next few day we will look to recharge the batteries after 3 very big days and enjoy Seattle and all it has to offer.
Stay tuned.
Tom
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