Alkmaar Autumn visit

30th September, 2023

What a weekend! We had another fantastic few days of racing, socialising and bonding earlier this month. Importantly, Minerva reclaiming the Challenge Shield!

We welcomed 21 Dutch visitors, one of the biggest contingents for a few years. Saturday’s race included 5 boat classes of masters, mixed masters, womens and junior boats – rowers ranging in age from 14 to 83! Junior Hester Poole (16) steered her first ever solo single race and Charlotte Puzey (15) came just 4 seconds behind Pien Eijskoot (17) who is an international competitor and member of the Dutch junior team.

Olympian Arnold Cooke, at 83, who has been coach to the winning men’s masters 8 was there as official finish timer this weekend. The coveted “Challenge Shield” was at stake once again, and Minerva Bath Rowing Club reclaimed the prize with their outstanding performance this year with their women’s 4+ and men’s master’s 8 beating the Dutch competition.

A LOT of fun was had by all over the weekend, thanks to the super-organising skills of Katrina Hayes and Laura Cowan and other Minervans, plus a generous group of hosts who made the weekend so very special. Chairman of ARZV rowing club, Koen Elbers, said: “’It’s amazing that our friendship and love for the beautiful sport of rowing is still going strong for almost 40 years. We are very grateful to everybody involved from Minerva Bath Rowing Club and are looking forward to welcome them in April in Alkmaar.”

Don’t miss out on our return trip to Alkmaar in April 2024 when the will celebrate the 40th anniversary of this enduring association between the two rowing clubs.