Sunday 19 February 2023 saw multiple crews from Isle of Ely Rowing Club travel into Cambridge to compete in the February leg of the Winter League. This annual three-leg event (January, February and March) is organised by the Cambridge Rowing Association and represents one of the highlights of the local rowing calendar. Unfortunately, due to wintery high wind speeds, IOERC was unable to safely trailer boats to attend the January leg. What a contrast, then, when the February leg turned out to be T-shirt weather! It was a stunning, sunny day on the beautiful river Cam. The course starts at Baits Bite lock, out in the countryside near Milton. The river then winds past Fen Ditton and into town, passing under the distinctive Abbey-Chesterton bridge and the railway bridge, up to the finish line on Stourbridge Common.

We had participation from all sections of the club, with 70-odd seats filled across the four divisions, a record turnout for our club. IOERC took two full trailers of boats which made logistics and rigging a challenge, but everyone pitched in to help each other. A massive thank you to Damon and Chris for towing the boats. It was lovely to see the parents of juniors coming along to support as well. We are indebted to Cambridge Rowing Association for running such a well organised event.

IOERC was kindly offered fantastic hospitality by the Cambridge ‘99 Rowing Club, allowing us to use their changing rooms and sunny riverside balcony where delicious coffee, croissants and cake were on offer. As an additional bonus, we were incredibly honoured that their captain, Keith Garrett, heroically stepped in to cox a ladies’ quad in our hour of need! Keith deserves an honourable mention for being an incredibly good cox with some highly inspirational calls. After the race, we didn’t want to give him back! Many thanks, Keith!

It was memorable day out for our fantastic club. We’re still on a high from so much fun racing, and we can’t wait for the March leg. Bring it on…