Solstice Race

Solstice Day started with bright sunshine but forecast increasing cloud wind and rain towards the middle of the day. The wind was from the south which meant we paddled into the wind for more than ten miles, the length of Windermere.

Lucy in the Solstice Race.

Lucy in the Solstice Race.

 

Two expectant Paddlers for Life crews assembled and prepared the boats. Three River Serpents brought a boat and crew over from Durham. We paddled a couple of miles up to Waterhead ready to start at 11-00 am. Two experienced helms, Peter and Jane, took us through our paces over the next ten miles into a steady head wind and gathering cloud. Three River Serpents soon took off into the distance.

Artemis Diana in the Solstice Race on Windermere.

Artemis Diana in the Solstice Race on Windermere.

Crews paddled well with short rest turns eating away at the miles.

The head wind took its toll however. Serpents were the first dragon boat to finish in just over two hours. Half an hour slower than last year due to conditions. Lucy was the second dragon boat in about 2 hours and 24 minutes with Artemis in ten minutes later. These were two slower times because of the headwind but paddlers acquitted themselves well with high quality sustained paddling.

Three River Serpents 2:00:44
Paddlers For Life (Lucy) 2:24:10
Paddlers For Life (Artemis) 2:42:25

Well done everyone!

Two PfL paddlers tried a different form of transport for the Solstice Race this year.
Helen Single Kayak 1:45:07
, Jo Single Kayak 1:45:08

Two Paddlers for Life members found there own method of transport.

Two Paddlers for Life members found there own method of transport.

Just the long haul back with the safety boat towing the boats back to Low Wood Bay in steady rain. Thanks Rob, Matt, Peter and Nick!

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