Posted by Jerry Elsmore (jerryelsmore@computerserve.com) (from 195.232.30.1) on 17 December, 2000 at 09:25

In reply to: Endeavour Class and wash hanging posted by Jerry Elsmore on 15 December, 2000 at 08:02:

To reply to a number of points raised by Jim Morrissey et al:
The 'new' Endeavour Class is specifically NOT a race. As has been clearly indicated on the official DW web site and in all the publicity produced by the DW Organisation, the event is designed for those crews who find the DW Challenge (the International Senior Doubles Race paddled non stop) too daunting. To quote the web site 'it is hoped that this new class will attract a greater number of senior paddlers who will appreciate the greater camaraderie that will inevitably accompany a non-racing challenge. This event will appeal to some first timers and to those just aiming to complete without worrying about times. No times will be recorded for this event and there will be no prizes or trophies. If you complete the course though you will receive a certificate and a finishers medal.'
Wash hanging: as Jim points out 'Taking pace and wash hanging from any vessel not in the RACE is forbidden.' As a Stages Race Timekeeper, I have always interpreted this as meaning that washing hanging with boats in a different race is NOT allowed, so it is okay for K1’s to wash hang other K1s, but not for K1’s to wash hang on Vet / Junior K2’s. As it would appear from the comments that this is not a uniform interpretation I shall 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 three Races that occur along the DW Course at Easter.
The Senior Doubles start has been moved to Easter Saturday.
The start times of the Junior Doubles 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 classes 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 open until 16.00 so that the fastest possible Endeavour Class time is 6 hours. As the revised rules point out 'If you are capable of faster times than this you should consider entering the Senior Doubles International Canoe Race.'
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 'top marathon crews wishing to put some high mileage training under their belt to take part in the staged challenge': 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 their chest and the suggestion that they are entering the Endeavour Class is part of the smokescreen.
Entries are naturally welcome for all four classes. (There’s 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

Re posted in an attempt to get the message in a readable format.

• Re: Endeavour Class Jim Morrissey 18:27 19/12/00 (0)