Cambridge ‘99 Rowing Club ready to host rowers from far and wide in Autumn Regatta on the River Cam
More than 200 competitors are due to feature at today's Cambridge '99 Rowing Club's Autumn Regatta.
Racing will be taking place over an eight-hour period, from 9am to 5pm, during which time 238 rowers (132 male and 106 women) will be starting for the first time from the new bridge over the River Cam just downstream of where the railway line crosses the river, to a point 600 metres downstream before Ditton Corner.
There are four women’s eights needing two semi-finals and a final, and the 47 events being raced will require 112 races for the 159 crews that have entered from as far afield as Lancashire and Birmingham, plus a strong contingent from clubs in east London. Most of the region’s clubs have also entered, including 52 of the crews are from the various Bedford clubs.
Several college crews will also be in action in the regatta, which is run under the rules of the sport's national body, British Rowing.
On Friday organisers confirmed that a one-minute silence will take place as a mark of respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday.
A statement read: “In light of the death of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, the regatta committee has met to discuss whether the Cambridge Autumn Regatta should run during a period of national mourning. Following advice from British Rowing and the Eastern Region chair, we have decided that the regatta will run with a few modifications.
“There will be a one-minute silence at noon. Practically, Races 35 and 36 are due to go off (at 11:54am and11:58am) and we will hold them in the pre-start. That should give time for the crews from Race 34 to clear the course. There will be a very few words from the commentator followed by a minute silence.
“From 11:55am to 12:05pm there will be no boats permitted on the landing stages. This will allow the crews from Race 34 time and clear space to get off the water in time.
“We ask that everyone gather in front of the marquee, we shall hold the silence there. A reminder announcement will be made close to the time.
“If crew members choose to, a black ribbon attached to their rowing kit has also been deemed an suitable measure to acknowledge this most momentous moment.”
Yesterday the 16th Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival took place on the same stretch of water.
