Silver Rudder 2008

Clyde strike Silver after bending defeat

niall — Mon, 19 May 2008 11:46:24 +0000

Now that the dust has settled, the bruises have healed and the compenation claims have been to court, it can be declared that the races between Saint Andrew BC of Edinburgh and Clyde ARC of Glasgow at the Castle Semple Regatta at weekend were a great success.

The first race, the Bent Rigger, kicked off dead on time. Conditions were somewhat bumpy, although those who had already raced in small boats earlier in the day had cause to feel thankful they were in an eight. Perhaps as a measure of the relative composition of the clubs, the SABC crew were mostly experienced rowers, whereas the Clyde rowers not in the main crew were plucky novices. Saint Andrew put on a commanding performance, overwhelming their western rivals. Their lead was established early in the race, and extended down the course. Some mishaps befel the Weegies, one member being flattened to the bottom of the boat by a nasty crab. Nonethless, the race was fairly contested and justly won, to the delight of race commentator Ian ‘Chalky’ White. It was also sensationally revealled that Chalky himself had been considered for inclusion in the crew!

This loss left the Glasgow Green based club spoling for a win in the main event. Full stats are not available for the crews, but the Saints will certainly have outpointed Clyde in terms of weight, with all of their men and some of their women in the openweight category - all but 2 of the Weegie crew are lightweights. Again in a reflection of the demographics of the respective clubs, Clyde’s younger crew contained a brace of HIR and Commonwealth competitors/medallists against a mix of Internationalists of days gone by - the most notable being the 5-man in the Czech M8+ at the Junior Worlds in 1996 - and less experienced (or more accurately, younger!) rowers. The microphone was passed - foolishly - to your humble scribe, who was able to inflict his ill-informed opinions on the unfortunate patrons of the biggest one day regatta in Scotland. After a slight delay, the race was set off. The SABC crew, though slick, were outclassed by their rivals who looked to be under-rating them, taking them to a famous victory to retain the Silver Rudder title.

Pictures and video will appear on this site shortly.

Saints stealth crew revealed!

niall — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:02:30 +0000

The Eastern club has revealed, at a swoop, their crew lineup. Some secrecy still surrounds the Bent Rigger crew, but the international pedigree of the Silver Rudder crew is plain to see. Where possible, the modern equivalents of the National represented are noted beside the crew profiles as some of the countries represented no longer exist due to unification, devolution or tectonic movement.

A series of crucial battles for the race are developing - particularly in the coxes seat. Wherett vs Dreghorn is sure to excite great comment, perhaps on a par with the first race as detailed in the History section. It is hoped that a repeat of the clash-tastic EUBC vs GUBC womens reserve race can be witnessed. Ron’s kamikaze tactics within the first 300M are an inspiration to all tiny maniacs.

All that remains is for the race to be joined - see you at Semple sportsfans!

Crock threat to ‘Two in a row’

niall — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:32:54 +0000

A crucial member of Clydes Silver Rudder squad has been declared unfit to row. The nature of Karl Farmers sculling induced injuries are unclear, but not thought to be immediately life threatening. At the 11th hour, James Murphy has stepped into the breach as supersub. It is not clear how the inclusion of the Irishman will affect this tight-knit crew.

“Sculling, I tell you it will be the end of us all before we know it!! Need to go away and psyche myself for battle!!”

Saint Andrew have also suffered casualties from their stealth crew. A female rower, known only as ‘Von F’ has had to withdraw. It is not known who will replace her. Who could!?

All eyes are on Castle Semple Regatta. The final draw has now been released, showing the doubling-up and sometimes trebling-up for members of both clubs competing in this prestigious event. The frequeny of racing - some might call it ‘fixture congestion’ - has led to the clubs appealing to SARA, FISA and the UN to extend the regatta for another month and a half. But the reality is that Semple is such a great regatta everyone just wants to race untill they melt!

Bent Rigger Revealed - and Created

niall — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:16:22 +0000

Check out the Crew Lists page for details of Clyde’s second crew. The Western club were hard at work creating not only the crew for the bent rigger, but also the trophy. As this novel blend of yoof and, erm, ‘wisdom’ had it’s first (and only) practice outing under the watchful gaze of Coach Logan, the mens quad were busy sculpting a Bent Rigger in a manner worthy of installation artists Gilbert and George, or is that George Parsonage.

SABC are still keeping quiet about their combinations. The best intelligence our roving rowing reporter can gather is that the Silver Rudder will feature an international cast of rowers from America, England and Germany (a few generations removed) and the Second crew all-stars have been assembled from one former winner of the main event and an oarsman pipped into second in the BR last year.

First Crew List Up

niall — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:51:02 +0000

With the race just five days away, speculation is rife on what lineups will be employed. Celebrity endorsements have come thick and fast. Clyde’s Silver udder boat are up on the crew lists page, displaying a breadth of talent seldom seen outside mixed doubles events. The Bent Rigger crew profiles will be released as soon as sufficient slander can be thought up. Saint Andrew are playing their cards close to their chest, but insiders hint that their Silver Rudder crew will lean on experience rather than youth. And the ducks are said to be employing an East German coach.

Crew Selection Hots Up

Jonny — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:45:12 +0000

Selection is hotting up as the Clyde selectors discuss the merits of three men fighting over 2 seats. Seat racing has been dismissed as archaic and too tiring, a 100M ergo race has been mooted, as well as a dance off.

The SABC stealth crew remains shrouded in secrecy. Rumours that Katherine Grainger has been spotted in a Dumfries service station have been dismissed as fabrication.

So what is this Silver Rudder all about?

Gareth — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:04:39 +0000

Still in need of more explanation? Well look no further, feast your eyes below!

The Silver Rudder

Jonny — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:45:17 +0000

The Silver Rudder…..

“It’s kind of like the Oxford v Cambridge Boatrace. Only it’s much better ‘cos I can do b****r all training and still be in with a shout!” ——— G. Dreghorn (2007)

“We have full Silver Rudder Integrity!” ——– N. Darroch (2007)

The Silver Rudder and Bent Rigger races for 2008 will be held during Castle Semple Regatta on Saturday 17th May 2008.

The format will be similar to the 2007 races. The Silver Rudder and Bent Rigger (reserve race) will be competed for in mixed eights (4 men, 4 women), in two side-by-side races, over a distance of approximately 1000m.