WS 2015-16 Race 2: Stortford results

Mild and sunny weather on the day of the race (15 November) came as a relief after the cold and wet conditions in the preceding days. One hundred and fifty four competitors turned out to enjoy the surprisingly pleasant conditions. Even the stiff breeze  was not without benefit as it helped to dry out the field before the race sufficiently to allow parking.

Aaron & Leanne and Ella & Maia

The current courses at Stortford have been in place since the race  start was moved to the clubhouse from the town centre in 2006. Three course records were broken on Sunday. Leanne Brown & Aaron Jordan (Barking & Dagenham CC) became the fastest mixed K2 to complete the 7 miles and 6 portages from the clubhouse to Sawbridgeworth and back in 57:28 (beating the record of 59:03 set by Danny & Kelly Beazley in 2006). In the same race Ella Beatty (BSF) & Maia Wallace-Loizou (LEA) became the fastest all-girl crew in 1:09:20 and only the second female pair to complete the race.

The third record to topple went to Chelmsford's Mick & Adam Barry who won the Touring C2 class in 31:12 on the short course (a 3 mile circuit going upstream into the town centre,  and downstream as far as Twyford Lock, with one portage). The previous fastest TC2 time was 31:59 set in 2009 by Mick Barry and Roger Edwards.

See the Winter Series results page for the full results of the Stortford race, and where you can also check your overall position after two races.

We hope to see everyone again for the next race at Herts Young Mariners Base at Cheshunt on 6th December. If you have a perpetual trophy from the last series, please arrange to complete any engraving and bring it back to the Cheshunt race.

BSCC would like to thank Herts Boat Rescue for coming along and providing on-water safety cover for the event, allowing the club's own members to concentrate on keeping track of the boats at the starts, finishes and turns.

Adam & Mick Barry

Stortford Mayor Daniel Abbott presenting the medals

Herts Boat Rescue (click for more)