For this event the weather was very kind to Exe-Calibre and the rest of the crews who gathered in Exeter, the sun shone all day, allowing a full race programme. Instead of huddling under the gazebo getting drenched, we sheltered from the sun under it between races.

Once again we had a full crew of experienced and newer paddlers keen to get going and show what we could do.
For our first race, Exe-Calibre lined up against Secklow 100 and Thames Raging Dragons in the 3rd heat of the 200m and recorded a time of 57.38 secs. This gave us a place in the 2nd repechage against Bristol Empire Dragons and Fallen Angels, against whom we came second with a time of 59.74 secs. Our times so far were a little disappointing compared to those recorded at Bristol but were respectable none-the-less and earned us a place in the finals tail race 2. Up against Fallen Angels we won by over 2 secs at 1.00.55, placing us 12th in the 200m competition.

After a long lunch break we took our place in the 3rd heat of the 400m competition. We were again up against Secklow 100 and Thames Raging Dragons, and again came in 3rd with a time of 1.55.43. This result led us to another repeat assignment against Bristol and Fallen Angels in the 2nd rep and again we came second with a time of 1.57.96.

Before our next race we witnessed a bit of racing drama as Secklow 100 lost control and found themselves facing the river wall at full speed! They managed to regain the correct direction and came in to a huge round of applause.

Exe-Calibre then lined up for our final race in tail race 1 beside WAM Dragons in which we recorded a time of 1.56.59 and gained 10th place in the 400m competition.

Despite the slightly disappointing times a great day’s racing was had by all in the sunshine at an event all the crews enjoyed. On top all that, a courageous milestone was reached by Bridget who spent the whole day without once putting on a buoyancy aid and never squealed… Bridget we salute you!

Full Race Results (pdf file)