On Saturday 23 December, around twenty current senior rowers and Old Vikings, ranging from 2013 to 2017 leavers, returned to Shiplake to enjoy a fun morning of Christmas racing. This was the first time such an event had been run and there was a very pleasing turnout - enough to fill two Eights! There was a friendly but competitive spirit amongst the rowers, and following a warm up the boats raced along the Shiplake stretch of the Thames... a 'best of three' ending in a festive 'draw'.
Current and former parents were also present, with members of the Boat Club Supporters' Association committee providing warming mulled wine or hot chocolate, and delicious bacon butties. A big thanks to all involved, including the Director of Rowing, Dave Currie, for introducing the initiative, and coaches Hugh Mackworth-Praed, Keith Settle and Charlie Jenkins. No doubt this will soon become a tradition and a not-to-be-missed event in everyone's rowing and Christmas calendars (next year we hope to see more Christmas hats and elf costumes!).