This year's Diamonds Regatta changed its format this year,  splitting the events into two days: small boats on Saturday and the rest on Sunday. Sunday racing was further complicated when the schedule was significantly compressed the evening before because of predicted afternoon thunder storms. Between the heat and the intense schedule it was a difficult regatta but there definitely reasons to celebrate.

The first day of racing did not see any medals but several boats crossed the line first, unfortunately undone by handicaps, and others had respectable showings. The team also secured an shady spot for the trailer which despite the dust on Sunday was a pleasant place to work. 

Sunday was hot and hectic. The compacted schedule required some creative solutions which luckily the race organizers were able to arrange with helpful race officials. It meant constant activity: rigging, carrying boats, carrying oars, hot-seating but the team was up to it. Everyone, including several non-racing partners, chipped in. The day got off to a rocky start when the truck with all the hardware was later than expected getting to the site, but again TRRA MW  resourcefulness prevailed and thanks to the Vespoli reps, boats were ready on time.The team continued to overcome set-backs with strong teamwork throughout the day - everything from broken steering mechanisms to a close-call with heat-stroke. In the end there were two well deserved firsts for the B 4+ and the AA-B 8+.

All of the hustling during the day, while exhausting, did mean we got home in reasonable time and beat the beach traffic.

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Thanks To Joanne Anderson for this recap:
For those of you that are interested here is a brief recap of the our racing this past Saturday at the Cambridge Invitational.

   Following an early morning meeting with all rowers present explaining the starting position, course buoys, etc. a draw from the hat gave us start position of number 6 out of 9.

   Our eight  had a great start which was acknowledged by the announcer over the loudspeaker as he complimented TRRA as being the "first boat to lineup correctly" .  Bravo Sonya!   Sonya's skill again was called upon to avoid being t-boned by another boat at the stake boat turn.   Nate, the equipment manager  from Riverside boat club (where our shells were from) was watching it unfold and is now a big Sonya fan!  Their turn disrupted, the 8 seized upon that adrenaline and brought the 8 home.  They were exhausted after their 4 mile row but exhilarated.  Their positive energy set the tone for the remainder of the contests.  Everyone had great rows.   The 4X looked strong.  The doubles held their own against the strong local sculling teams with former Olympians, and Olympic  hopefuls.  Gabbi steered a great line for the 4+ and we all heard cheers of "great turn" at the Weeks bridge - thanks to Gabbi's family ;).

   The racing turns were set up such that we were unable to use Dan's cool leading edge technique, but the 4+ on Gabbi's call executed it brilliantly on the way back to Riverside to return our boats.

   On a beautiful day on the Charles our team finished in a respectable 6th place.

   We enjoyed great companionship with the each other  as well as the Boston community of rowers.

   Many thanks to Eva for her efforts in coordinating this regatta.  Eva does a lot to make sure everyone's trip to Boston is an enjoyable one in addition to having a great day of racing.

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