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Posted by Jerry Elsmore (JerryElsmore@compuserve.com) (from e-mail; ID <200012150300_MC2-BEBA-4888@compuserve.com>) on 15 December, 2000 at 08:02
In reply to: DW Challenge versus DW stage race outcome posted by Jim Morrissey on 19:24 14/12/00:
To reply to a number of points raised by Jim Morrissey et al:
The =93new=94 Endeavour Class is specifically NOT a race. As has been cl=
early
indicated on the official DW web site and in all the publicity produced b=
y
the DW Organisation, the event is designed for those crews who find the D=
W
Challenge (the International Senior Doubles Race paddled non stop) too
daunting, To quote the web site =93it is hoped that this new class will=
attract a greater number of senior paddlers who will appreciate the great=
er
camaraderie that will inevitably accompany a non-racing challenge. This
event will appeal to some first timers and to those just aiming to comple=
te
without worrying about times. No times will be recorded for this event a=
nd
there will be no prizes or trophies. If you complete the course though y=
ou
will receive a certificate and a finishers medal.=94
Wash hanging: as Jim points out =93Taking pace and wash hanging from any
vessel not in the RACE is forbidden.=93 As a Stages Race Timekeeper, I h=
ave
always interpreted this as meaning that washing hanging with boats in a
different race is NOT allowed, so it is okay for K1=92s to wash hang othe=
r
K1s, but not for K1=92s to wash hang on Vet / Junior K2=92s. As it would=
appear from the comments that this is not a uniform interpretation I shal=
l
ensure that it is raised at the next DW Organisation Committee meeting
which will be held on Jan 10th at Reading Canoe Club at 7.30pm.
Many safeguards are already in place to ensure the integrity of the Senio=
r
Doubles "non stop" Race, the three Stage Races and the Endeavour Event th=
at
will occur along the DW Course at Easter. =
The Senior Doubles start has been moved to Easter Saturday. =
The start times of the Junior Double Race is between 08.00 and 09.00 on
Good Friday and no other classes can start within this window. The
Veteran/Junior and Senior Singles Races have separate start windows for
crews anticipating finishing the first day in under 6 hours. (09.00 - 9.=
30
for Veteran/Juniors and 10.00 - 11.00 for Senior Singles) =
However, it is recognised that some crews are much slower and in order to=
allow the traditional ten hour window, slower crews may find themselves
alongside different classes some of whom will not be racing, but
endeavouring simply to complete the course. =
The finish at Newbury, Marlow and Ham for The Endeavour Class will not op=
en
until 16.00 so that the fastest possible Endeavour Class time is 6 hours.=
=
As the revised rules point out =93If you are capable of faster times than=
this you should consider entering the Senior Doubles International Canoe
Race.=94
Similar separation of the top crews in each Race occurs on the starts at
Newbury, Marlow and Ham.
I am not aware of any publicity produced by the DW organisation that
suggests that it would be appropriate for =93top marathon crews wishing t=
o
put some high mileage training under their belt to take part in the stage=
d
challenge=94: Given the current river levels and the long range weather
forecast, I suspect that there are a number of top crews who have an eye =
on
the Senior Doubles Records but they are keeping their cards close to thei=
r
chest and the suggestion that they are entering the Endeavour Class is pa=
rt
of the smokescreen. =
Entries are naturally welcome for all four classes. (There=92s a big
discount for entries received before Jan 1st!) For an entry form on line=
go to www.dwrace.org.uk or Email: info@dwrace.org.uk or phone the
Competition Secretary on 0207 401 8266.
See you on the Start Line at Easter!
Jerry Elsmore
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