Dragon Boat Race Report May 23rd 2004 - Skipper's report by Jeremy Worthing

The ETP Dragon Boat crew set out to do battle against 57 other war song chanting crews on the water in front of the beach at Odaiba Kaihin Park today. Most crews had been practicing all year, and had arrived from all parts of Japan, some from as far as America. The ETP crew, many after the Naganuma experience now well practiced in the art of instant learning, acquired the well honed skill of professionals during the final (and only) training session just minutes prior to embarkation. The ETP boat set off with powerful, well timed strokes to the start, loudly chanting "IN","IN","IN" .... to the drumbeat of Mercedes, who was perched regally high on the bow. The start signal was given, and 3 competitors surged ahead, with ETP catching up fast, finishing 4th place in the heat of 6 boats, in 1min 19sec. After the lunch provided by the organisers, still soaked, yet prepared to get off to a faster start in the second race, the ETP crew paddled and screamed furiously against all odds, finishing again in 4th place, but this this time in 1min 16sec: An improvement of 3 seconds, and 2 seconds faster than the ETP21 boat last year.

Thanks to everyone for a great day, and of course to Ellen, our patron. ETP23, it's now down to you to show the flag next year!