Sumida River Regatta August 8th 2004 - Skipper's report by Jeremy Worthing

This was ETP's first appearance at annual Sumida River Regatta, in which 56 dedicated rowing crews pitted their strength against each other, as well as against choppy waves, whipped up by moderate head winds. The Edogawa Rowing Club members, who had patiently coached the ETP beginners on previous weekends, kindly ensured that the European newcomers fully adhered to the various event regulations and formalities. Positioned at the starting line in lane 1 of the 500 m course, the ETP boat got off to a quick start, soon pulling ahead. The backstroke of the oars skimmed just millimetres in harmonious unison above the wave peaks of the choppy water. (One failed backstroke, in which the oar gets dragged deep into the water by the speed of the boat, would have spelled instant disaster, and given the pursuing Kasumigaura boat the chance they had been hoping for.) The finishing flag loomed up, and the ETP crew rowed furiously for the final end spurt as the 3 loud fog horn blasts signalled that the finish line had been crossed. Finishing time 1'58.77" - several lengths ahead of the nearest rival.

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CONGRAT MESSAGES:

From: Naoko.SHINOMIYA

IT WAS GREAT TO SEE YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS. YOU

PERFORMED SO NICELY BOTH FOR THE RACE AND INT'L

EXCHANGES. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED

THE EVENT AND WE WILL WORK TOGETHER AGAIN SOON.

PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH AND DO COME TO THE DELEGATION

WHENEVER YOU HAVE A CHANCE.

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TRAINING. WORK HARD AND ALSO

ENJOY LIFE!

PLEASE SAY HELLO TO THE OTHER WATER BOYS. I HOPE

YOU ALL ENJOYED BEER IN THE VICTORY CUP!

NAOKO

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From: Noriaki.OBAYASHI

Dear Champions,

I just want to say that all the supporters from my

family were impressed by

your performance, SUBARASHII!!

Thank you for bento lunch as well.

Please take good rest!!

Noriaki

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From: Aki.TANIGUCHI

Congratulations on the first prize!!

We are really proud of ETP members who can always

make it possible.

Thank you very mcuh for your wonderful

organization and role which brought

the ETP team the win.

Press members thanked for your help so much.

Have a nice week.

Aki

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From: Jeremy Worthing

Subject: ボートレース お礼 (to: ISHII Sadamitsu - thanks)

石井貞光 様、江戸川 Rowing Club の皆様, 先日はお疲れ様でした。皆様のお蔭で大変楽しい一日を過ごすことができました。 本当に有難う御座いました。

練習中はオールを折ったり遅刻をしたり大変ご迷惑をお掛けいたしまして申し訳ありませんでした。こんな私達を温かく受け入れて下さり、また忍耐強くご指導下さり心から感謝しております。また来年も皆様とレースでお会いできるのを楽しみにしております。

最後に石井様、江戸川 Rowing Club の皆様を始め

レース関係者の皆様に深く御礼を申し上げます。

ウォーティング・ジェレミー (ＥＴＰ２２)