Celebrating 40 years of friendship between Minerva RC and Alkmaar ARZV
16th December, 2025
From the minute we met up with our Alkmaar friends on the Friday night, to the farewells on Monday morning, we all had a blast! Both Minerva and Alkmaar crews needed the Saturday morning practice sessions – as last minute sit-ins and boat combinations meant little practice for everyone. But it was all in the good spirit of things (though, of course, Minervans always have winning as the aim!).
Laughter continued throughout the afternoon when everyone piled into boats of a different kind – Dragon Boats. Launched from Avon County Club and with new techniques and skills to learn, the rowers managed to build up a little speed, helped by the expert drumming in one boat from Heidi. No race records were broken, though when the Dragon Boat instructor called for rowers to push with their legs, he hadn’t planned for the whole boat to shift and rowers to fall backwards onto each other!
When news of Bath Rugby’s match against Gloucester spread, some managed to squeeze seeing the match before going on to the drinks and Indian meal out. Some even continued further into the evening, discovering bars and clubs.
Next morning, some sore heads (mostly the Alkmaar Men’s 8) arrived at Minerva for The Challenge Trophy Time Trial. Racing upstream from Avon County, just over 3KM to Minerva, the boats all managed good times, with a few surprises achieved, including Minerva Juniors double beating the times of many of the quads!
The final evening, Sunday, had everyone celebrating, singing, eating and drinking, with speeches and presentations by members and representatives from The Bath and Alkmaar Twinning Association who partially fund the annual weekend. Elaine Hoyes recalled her first trip to Alkmaar almost 20 years’ ago and reminded us all of all the great friendships we have made and maintained over the years. ARZV were presented with a handcrafted keepsake, made by Liz Gray and Steve Cheasley, to mark the 40th anniversary.
Of course, we are very happy to report that not only did Minerva win the race challenge – well done everyone – but we also avoided (just) winning the wooden spoon. The lucky winner was ARZV’s Colin who forgot to bring the trophy with him! It really was a very special weekend, made possible by all the amazing organisers, hosts, marshals and racers – thank you.
