Alkmaar

Alkmaar is situated in the north-west of the Netherlands, approximately 30 miles from Amsterdam and accessible from the capital along its miles of waterways. The link between Alkmaar and Bath began just before the end of the Second World War, when fund-raising events were held to support the citizens of Alkmaar who had suffered deprivation during the German occupation. The first official visit to Bath by dignitaries from Alkmaar took place in 1946, but formal twinning links were not established between the two cities until May 1990.

Alkmaar is a large rowing club with 265 members at last count. The club celebrated its centenary in 2010. They are in the priviledged position of being based in a town with three large canal systems, offering over 70 kilometres of clear water, with the rowing club itself being based on the Hoornse Vaart canal. Alkmaar has had serveral wins in the Amsterdam Head of the River race along with national sculling trophies. The club also boasts a 6 time winner of the Paul Venemansprijs, a combined rowing, running, cycling and ice skating competition!

Minerva Bath rowing club has been linked with Alkmaar Rowing club since 1987, making 2012 our 25th anniversary. The two clubs enjoy biannual visits, with members from Minerva Bath descending on Alkmaar every April and their counterparts returning the visit in the October of the same year. The clubs have a healthy competitive spirit fuelled by the desire at each visit to take home the Alkmaar - Bath Challenge shield. The April competition sees both clubs taking part in the gruelling AA race over 6000m along the canal from Alkmaar along the Noord-Hollands canal. October's race is often a more private battle between the 2 clubs over Minerva's 3000m course. After the Alkmaar's returning visit this September which saw both clubs racing at the Monmouth head, Minerva Bath claimed the Challenge Shield with only a few seconds seperating the crews. We will have to wait and see what happens in 2012.....

For all the action from previous years follow the link to The Alkmaar - Bath Challenge Shield.