Blog Posts - BSCC

B. Stortford Hasler (2 Jun 2024)

2/6/2024

Although fielding a larger team than usual (24 paddlers), Stortford was still outnumbered by the teams from Chelmsford CC and Norwich CC, so it was particularly pleasing to score our second outright win of the season.

In singles, Daniel has been awarded a promotion to Division 7 (bronze Div 8). There were also particularly good performances from Kat (silver, Div 3 & fastest lady) and Jaroslav (bronze, Div 6).

SINGLES -
19km, 8 portages
Div 2: David Gurney 5th (1:39:16)
Div 3: Kat Wilson 2nd (1:37:16)
11.5km, 6 portages
Div 5: Tom Holloway 11th (1:19:34)
Div 6: Jaroslav Klumpler 3rd (1:15:42)
6.5km 2 portages
Div 7: Eilidh White 6th (37:22)
Div 8: Daniel Baines 3rd (37:43), Jamie Bond 7th (39:35), Finlay Sandall 10th (42:13)
Div 9: Alex Scott 20th (48:31)

Many of the club's medals and points came from the doubles entries. Joao & Ben formed a very successful partnership in Div 4, and Mark and Kerry T paddled to victory with partners from other clubs in Divs 5 and 6 respectively. Equally important in securing the club's overall win was the 1st place in Div 9 by Oliver and Kerry H - albeit uncontested.

Chris & Karen are proving to be a solid points-scoring pair with their third successive podium place (silver Div 7). On only her second race for the club, Claudia has again been promoted, and joins Kerstin in Div 5 (silver, Div 5).

DOUBLES -
11.5km, 6 portages
Div 4: Joao Spinola & Ben Tubby 1st (1:04:54)
Div 5: Mark Adams & Steve Tingay [LBZ] 1st (1:10:22), Kerstin Queeney & Claudia Redeker 2nd (1:10:27), Alasdair Bruce & Mike Panrucker 4th (1:11:13), Libby Gaulton & Jasper Kirtland 8th (1:13:54)
Div 6: Kerry Tubby & Paul Lane [MAI] 1st (1:14:09)
6.5km, 2 portages
Div 7: Christine Meula & Karen Bradley 2nd (35:39), Dave Cayford & Jacque Cayford 3rd (36:01)
Div 9: Oliver Klumpler & Kerry Hoar 1st (49:20)

Under 14s (Geoff Sanders)
2.5km
Div B: Rupert Kirtland 1st (20:07)

Huge thanks are also due to all the volunteers without whom the race could not happen - the club members, their families and friends, who organised parking, marshalled portages, starts and finishes, who sorted boards and entries, or who provided the refreshments for the day!

Many thanks also to Cllr Murray White, Deputy Mayor of Bishops Stortford, for coming along to present the medals.

The club is now standing in third position within the Eastern Region, but with Leighton Buzzard's home race to come, this could still change.

See also

Norwich Hasler (19 May 2024)

19/5/2024

One hundred and thirty five paddlers from six clubs contended the Norwich Hasler. Although Stortford sent only a small team (14 paddlers), the quality of the performances was excellent, and the team achieved a third place.

Gold medals were won by Joao & Jasper, and Karen & Christine. Jasper has been promoted two divisions to Div 4, and Karen & Christine have been promoted to Div 7.

Silver medals were awarded to Joe, Eddie & David G, and to Kerry T & Claudia. Eddie has been promoted to Div 3, and Kerry and Claudia to Div 6.

Jamie did well to come 4th in his first Div 8 race, and new member Kerry Hoar also did well in her first ever race.

SINGLES -
19.5km, 4 portages
Div 2: Joe Fitzpatrick 2nd (1:38:18)
6.5km
Div 8: Jamie Bond 4th (38:48)
Div 9: Kerry Hoar 7th (50:03)

Under 14s (Geoff Sanders)
3.5km
Div A: Rupert Kirtland 5th (23:42)

DOUBLES -
19.5km, 4 portages
Div 3: David Gurney & Eddie Kirtland 2nd (1:30:42)
13km, 2 portages
Div 5: Joao Spinola & Jasper Kirtland 1st (1:04:02), Kerstin Queeney & Libby Gaulton 8th (1:11:40)
6.5km
Div 7: Kerry Tubby & Claudia Redeker 2nd (32:30)
Div 8: Karen Bradley & Christine Meula 1st (34:24)

The race was of course won by Norwich CC with a perfect score of 600. Chelmsford were second (586) and Stortford third (538).

See also

Chelmsford Sprint Regatta (5 May 2024)

5/5/2024

Seven Stortford paddlers were among the 48 attending the Chelmsford Regatta.

The morning's singles races were followed by fun K2 races in which the youngest paddlers were paired with the fastest.

Results for Stortford paddlers:
u10 Boys - Edward Perrier (silver)
u12 Boys - Rupert Kirkland (5th)
u14 Girls - Libby Gaulton (gold)
u14 Boys - Jasper Kirtland (gold), Jamie Winstanley (7th)
Veteran Men - Joao Spinola (silver)
Veteran Ladies - Ally Judge (silver)

See
The full results (FRA website)
Photos (Angela's Google photo album)

Bedford Hasler (28 Apr 2024)

28/4/2024

There were some great results at Bedford, especially from our doubles crews.

Chris was competing for Stortford for probably the last time before he leaves us for pastures new. He and Ben pulled out all the stops to win gold in Division 4 Doubles, bringing to a close 9 years of racing for BSCC.

Joao partnering Charlotte Ellis (LBZ) was not far behind in the same race.

Jasper, promoted to Div 6 following the Cambridge Hasler, had his first race on the 8-mile course with Kerstin in Div 5 doubles and came third.

On the longest course, David paired up with Eddie to take second place in Div 3 doubles. Meanwhile, on the 4-mile course, Karen & Christine took silver medals in Div 8, and Jacque & Dave bronze in Div 7. Christine has been promoted from Div 9 to Div 8.

DOUBLES -
19.7km, 4 portages
Div 3: David Gurney & Eddie Kirtland 2nd (1:46:47)
12.9km, 2 portages
Div 4: Chris Sze & Ben Tubby 1st (1:10:03), Joao Spinola & Charlotte Ellis [LBZ] 2nd 1:11:46
Div 5: Kerstin Queeney & Jasper Kirtland 3rd (1:17:13)
6.8km
Div 7: Jacque Cayford & Dave Cayford 3rd (48:35)
Div 8: Karen Bradley & Christine Meula 2nd (44:53), Finlay Sandall & Oliver Klumpler 6th (52:25)

Kerry T (Div 7) had the misfortune to fall victim to the gusty wind as the end of the race was in sight, causing her to go for a swim in the river.

Jamie B was the club's star paddler in the singles races. Despite a poor start he worked his way into 4th place and was poised to take 3rd when the lead paddler suffered a capsize. His excellent time earned him a bronze medal and a promotion to Division 8.

SINGLES -
19.7km, 4 portages
Div 2: Joe Fitzpatrick 3rd (1:48:37)
6.8km
Div 7: Kerry Tubby 10th (51:32)
Div 8: Robin Dromard 8th (54:12)
Div 9: Jamie Bond 3rd (47:38)

Under 14s (Geoff Sanders)
2.5km
Div A: Rupert Kirtland 6th (23:59)

The event was attended by 121 paddlers. The scores have now been confirmed - the event was won by Norwich (598 points), with Leighton Buzzard second (593) and BSCC tied with Chelmsford for third place (587). This means that BSCC now lies in joint third place with Leighton Buzzard in the Eastern Region, with both of these clubs still to have their home races.

See also

Nottingham Sprints (13-14 April 2024)

14/4/2024

A team of seven from BSCC went up to Nottingham for the National Sprint Regatta. The weather was mild but very windy, making for very choppy paddling conditions on the lake.

Jasper Kirtland was promoted from the Mini Sprint to the Intermediate class at the end of the 2023 season, and thoroughly enjoyed moving up a level! He qualified fastest for the K1 500m race in the heats, coming 2nd in the final (2:46.49), and paired up with Matthew Anderson of Leighton Buzzard Canoe Club in the K2 Intermediate races. They had two close fought sprints with a Glasgow pairing, with the BSF/LBZ pair taking the lead from the start before being narrowly beaten on the line and coming 2nd in both the K2 200m (1:00.19) and K2 500m (2:38.59).

When the promotions were announced at the end of the event, Jasper had been promoted from the Intermediate class up to Boy’s D - an excellent achievement.

Rupert Kirtland was in the under 12s Mini Sprint B class, coming 4th in the K1 200m (1:34.17), then pairing with Connor Bates of Leighton Buzzard Canoe Club to come 3rd in the Mini Sprint A K2 500m final (3:17.17) and partnering with the winners of that race, Lexi Small and Freya Snell (of Wolverhampton and Royal Leamington Spa Canoe Clubs) to take 1st place in the K4 500m Mini Sprint (2:51.27).

Joe Fitzpatrick also competed in the Men’s B class, coming 4th in the K1 500m final (2:22.97), 4th in the K1 1000m final (5:21.48), and 3rd.

In the Paddle-Ability class, Oliver Klumpler came 3rd in the K1 200m final race (1:10.88), and 4th in the K1 500m final race (3:32.99). As one of only two juniors in the class, he achieved two 1st places in his age group.

Joao Spinola was representing Bishop’s Stortford at a Sprint Regatta for the first time, competing in the Men’s D class (combined with Master’s C/D), coming 5th in the K1 500m final (2:28.81), and a brilliant 2nd in the K1 200m final (55:77). He partnered with Joe Fitzpatrick in the K2 Men’s A/B and Master’s A K2 500m final, coming a very respectable 3rd (2:10.00)

Rich Winstanley competed in the Master’s B class (combined with Men's C). He came 7th in the K1 1000m final (5:52.28) and 8th in the K1 500m final (2:45.02).

As this was a Junior Selection event, Eddie Kirtland was competing in the Boys Under 16 class (as opposed to Boy’s C). He took part in a number of heats, qualifying for the K1 Final 2 in the 200m (9th; 55.27), and the K4 500m final in conjunction with paddlers from Gailey, Richmond, and Worcester clubs, coming 7th (2:06.15).

Overall, it was a good set of results for the first National Sprint Regatta of the year!

See also the full results online.

Photos courtesy Flora Klumpler

Devizes to Westminster (29-31 Mar 2024)

31/3/2024

There were some great results for the three BSCC paddlers - Kat Burbeck (Wilson), Joe Fitzpatrick and Rich Winstanley - taking part in the annual Devizes to Westminster race this Easter.

Heavy rain had caused the organisers to repeat last year's precaution of terminating many of the classes at Teddington, but it was hoped that the Senior Doubles would be able to go all the way through to Westminster, completing the full 125 miles. However, by Saturday the tidal part of the river was Red Flagged so the race ended for everyone at Teddington Lock - "only" 108 miles, with 77 portages.

Perhaps because of the uncertainty around how long the race would be, or even whether it would be able to run at all, the number of entries (270) were fewer than usual. Those who did participate had a very strong flow and flooded banks to contend with.

Kat was paddling with Catherine Drummond of Reading CC in Senior Doubles - the straight-through race. They set off early on Saturday afternoon and reached Teddington at dawn on Sunday. Their time of 16h 54m 27s made them 8th overall out of the 72 Senior Doubles crews, and the first all-female crew.

Joe and Rich were competing in Singles, which takes place in stages with overnight stops. This is normally a four-day event, but this year only three. Joe and Rich set off from Devizes on Friday morning and experienced some heavy downpours of rain into the already swollen canal. The first stage ended at Newbury, with Rich and Joe occupying 2nd and 3rd place, with only a few seconds between their elapsed times.

The conditions were not only difficult for paddlers but also the support crews following them by land, to provide food, drinks, changes of clothes and spare kit. In some places the tow-paths were completely submerged under water.

On Saturday the route took them onto the Thames at Reading and down to Marlow. Many of the competitors found the strong currents challenging, but the Stortford pair took it in their stride. Joe was slightly faster on this second section and ended Saturday in second place, and Rich third. On Sunday it was Rich who was the faster of the two, reaching Teddington with a total elapsed time of 14h 41m 18s, making him second overall and the first Veteran (35+). Joe was 4th overall with a time of 15h 17m 12s.

While Joe does not seem to have enjoyed the experience (the monotony broken only by some swan issues), Rich was disappointed not to be able to do the full 125 miles. He had wanted to undertake this famous race ever since he started paddling as a child. For Rich, the DW was a short training run for his next challenge - the Yukon 1000 in July. This unsupported race goes along the Yukon river though the Canadian wilderness to a point 1000 miles downriver in Alaska.

See the full results of DW 2024

Cambridge Hasler (24 Mar 2024)

24/3/2024

The race was well-attended with a total of 175 entries. A particular feature was the large number of competitors representing out-of-region clubs, such as Nottingham, Wey and even Runcorn.

Well done to Kerstin & Catherine for not only executing a well-planned out race at admirable speed, but but also turning in the right place to win Div 5 doubles. A barely visible turn buoy caught out many people on this course, including nearly all the Div 4 doubles crews, who went much further than intended.

Libby & Jasper proved to be a very successful pairing, coming 2nd in Div 7 doubles, and being rewarded with a promotion to Division 6 each.

DOUBLES -
14 km, 4 portages
Div 4: Ben Tubby & Martin Shirley [EAL] 5th (1:47:32)
Div 5: Kerstin Queeney & Catherine Ayling [EAL] 1st (1:26:42)
7 km
Div 7: Libby Gaulton & Jasper Kirtland 2nd (37:03), Dave Cayford & Jacque Cayford 6th (39:17), Kerry Tubby & Tom Stephens 8th (43:17)
Div 8: Oliver Klumpler & Finlay Sandall 4th (43:37)

Our singles paddlers in Division 9 did especially well. Despite being placed 8th, 9th and 10th respectively (out of a large field of 16), Robin, Karen and Jamie B scored the points that usually go with 3rd, 4th and 5th place. This is because many of the paddlers ahead of them were given double or even triple promotions, and who therefore did not score. Robin and Karen have been promoted to Div 8, and Jamie can be proud of an excellent result for his first Hasler race.

There was also solid scoring from Joao, Jacque & Dave, and Eilidh, each of whom were racing in higher divisions than previously due to promotions during the Winter Series.

The spring sunshine had tempted the leisure boaters out and an unfortunate meeting with a punt sent Eddie for a swim and caused him to retire. Kerry & Tom also took a dip at the turn.

SINGLES -
21 km, 4 portages
Div 2: Joe Fitzpatrick 6th (1:53:31)
14 km, 4 portages
Div 4: Joao Spinola 5th (1:25:37), Eddie Kirkland (retired)
7 km
Div 7: Eilidh White 13th (41:01)
Div 9: Robin Dromard 8th (43:13), Karen Bradley 9th (43:18), Jamie Bond 10th (45:02)

Under 14s (Geoff Sanders)
3km
Div A: Rupert Kirtland 7th (26:00)

We ended the day in 6th place. This brings Stortford's league position down from first (following our spectacular win at the Chelmer Hasler) to equal second with Cambridge CC, behind Chelmsford CC.

See also

Chelmsford Winter Series Marathon (28 Jan 2024)

28/1/2024

“Choppy” was the main word on everyone’s lips after the final race of the Winter Series. A much reduced BSCC team paddled in what turned out to be delightful weather for the time of year; however, the river Can was at turns very wavy and very shallow, leading to more than one unexpected dip for our paddlers.

On the 8-mile course, the best results for the club came from Kerstin and Catherine who took gold in the K2 16+ women’s race. Kerry and Chris made for a successful pairing in the K2 16+ mixed doubles race, coming in 3rd place, whilst Jacque and Dave also battled through this race, taking the first Ultra-vets medal.

Other paddlers at this distance were Joao who thoroughly enjoyed the Senior Men’s K1 race, and Eilidh who had a leisurely paddle to take 2nd place in the Under-18 girls race.

On the 5-mile course it was Eddie who shone, winning silver in the u16 Boys for the 4th time this season. Ben competed in the Supervet Men’s race again, coming 2nd despite two unscheduled dunkings in the chilly water. Robin also raced in this class, coming in 7th, and considering this to be very good value for his money after an hour on the water!

Jasper worked hard in the u14 boy’s race, sadly succumbing to the lure of a swim at the half way point. However, he bravely got back in and paddled the second half of the race with great determination, finishing in 4th place.

Petr had a fantastic race in the C1 Novice category, winning with style after navigating the rough waters in his high-kneeler canoe.

Rupert also took 4th place in the u12s boys race – as the only unranked junior competing for the club it fell to him to score the only Dick Grieve points for BSCC.

8 miles:
K2 16+ Mixed - Chris Sze & Kerry Tubby 3rd (1:11:49), Jacque & Dave Cayford 7th (1:20:09)
K2 16+ Ladies - Kerstin Queeney & Catherine Ayling (EAL) 1st (1:08:43)
K1 Sen Men - Joao Spinola 4th (1:08:13)
K1 Sen Ladies - Megan Kenny (EXE) 2nd (1:14:09)
K1 u18 Ladies - Eilidh White 2nd (1:23:12)

5 miles:
K1 SuperVet Men - Ben Tubby 2nd (48:05), Robin Dromard 7th (1:02:16)
K1 u16 Boys - Eddie Kirtland 2nd (45:34)

3 miles:
K1 u14 Boys - Jasper Kirtland 4th (27:16)
C1 Novice - Petr Luksan 1st (30:36)
K1 u12 Boys - Rupert Kirtland 4th (32:43)

Full race & series results are on the FRA website.

See Angela's Google album for some photos of the Chelmsford race & awards.

BSCC SERIES RESULTS:
Libby Gaulton - winner u14 Girls Trophy
Petr Luksan - winner C1 Novice Trophy
Megan Kenny (for EXE) - 2nd in Senior Ladies
Jack Gaulton - 2nd place in u18 Men
Eilidh White - 2nd place in u18 Ladies
Eddie Kirtland - 2nd place in u16 Boys
Rupert Kirtland - 2nd place in u12 Boys
Oliver Klumpler & Finlay Sandall - 2nd place in u16 K2
Ben Tubby - 3rd place in SuperVet Men
Kerstin Queeney & Catherine Ayling (EAL) - 3rd place in Ladies K2
Jasper Kirtland - 4th place in u14 Boys
Joao Spinola - 5th in K1Senior Men

BSCC were second overall in the series (which was won by Chelmsford CC).

The contest for the Dick Grieve Trophy (based on points scored by unranked juniors), went right up to line. Leighton Buzzard CC and Cambridge CC were tied for first place, with the winner (Buzzard) being decided by the number of overall wins. Just one point behind, BSCC and Chelmsford CC tied for third place. We were also third in the Bob Porter Trophy (for level of participation by u12s).

One particular highlight of the day was an award for Angela Aldam, who has been helping to organise the Winter Series for nearly 20 years - she was presented with an engraved vase and some flowers to mark her 100th race and to thank her for all of her hard work over the years.

L. Buzzard Winter Series Marathon (14 Jan 2024)

14/1/2024

Seventeen BSCC paddlers made it to the earlier-than-usual Leighton Buzzard Winter Series race. A bright but chilly day made for a more pleasant paddling experience than the weather forecasts had predicted!

On the 8-mile course, the best results for the club came from Kerstin and her K2 partner Catherine Ayling (Ealing CC) who took gold in the K2 Women’s race, and from Karen who paddled this distance for the first time to win the gold medal in the Vet Women’s race.

Jack continued his silver streak with a fantastic performance in u18 Men. Kerry & Chris made for a successful pairing in the K2 16+ mixed doubles race, coming in 4th place, which earned them the First SuperVets medal – Jacque & Dave also battled through this race, finishing with a smile to win First UltraVets.

Mark, paddling in the Men’s K2 race with Steve Tingay of Leighton Buzzard, donned an LBZ vest to pay homage Steve’s mother - a long held wish of hers finally fulfilled.

Other Stortford paddlers at this distance were Joao in the Senior Men’s K1, Jaroslav in the Vet Men’s race and Megan in Senior Women (for Exeter CC).

8 miles (2 portages):
K2 16+ Men - Mark Adams & Steve Tingay [LBZ] 5th (1:18:17)
K2 16+ Mixed - Chris Sze & Kerry Tubby 4th (1:21:22), Jacqueline Cayford & Dave Cayford 8th (1:28:48)
K2 16+ Women - Kerstin Queeney & Catherine Ayling [EAL] 1st (1:18:17)
K1 Sen Men - Joao Spinola 7th (1:19:11)
K1 Sen Women - Megan Kenny [EXE] 2nd (1:22:20)
K1 Vet Men - Jaroslav Klumpler 8th (1:27:18)
K1 Vet Women - Karen Bradley 1st (1:35:05)
K1 u18 Men - Jack Gaulton 2nd (1:28:02)

6 miles (2 portages):
K1 SuperVet Men - Ben Tubby 4th (1:01:35)
K2 u16 - Oliver Klumpler & Finlay Sandall 2nd (1:31:41)
K1 u16 Boys - Eddie Kirtland 2nd (57:53)

Libby took gold in the u14 Girls again, despite a run in with a narrowboat which resulted in her taking an unscheduled swim. She bravely got back in and paddled the second half of the race with great determination.

On the 6-mile course it was Eddie who shone, winning silver in the u16 Boys.

Finlay and Oliver struggled to a very hard-earned silver in the u16 K2s race, at one point having to take evasive action when threatened by a swan!

Ben competed in the Supervet Men’s race again, coming 4th despite no less than three swims in the chilly water.

Rupert won the bronze in the u12s Boys race after a sprint finish with Conor Bates of Leighton Buzzard CC – Rupert also brought home significant Dick Grieve points, as the only unranked junior competing for the club.

4 miles:
K1 u14 Girls - Libby Gaulton 1st (48:03)
K1 u12 Boys - Rupert Kirtland 3rd (52:59)

Chelmsford CC were the winning club at this event, with Leighton Buzzard CC second, and Stortford third.

Stortford now stand second in the series overall, and joint first with Leighton Buzzard for the Dick Grieve trophy.

See

Cambridge Winter Series Marathon (3 Dec 2023)

3/12/2023

Fifteen BSCC paddlers braved the elements for a particularly grim Winter Series race in Cambridge. The cold and wet weather added a certain frisson to the already muddy portages, on which many of the races were won or lost!

The club's best results on the 7-mile course came from Jack, who won silver with a spirited performance in the Under-18 Boy’s race. Daniel also put in a fantastic performance, coming 5th in the same race, his first time competing at this distance, and this in an unfamiliar boat, with a borrowed paddle.

Ben and Kerry took on the K2 16+ mixed doubles, but an unfortunate capsize put them in 5th place.

Other paddlers competing at this distance were Karen and Christine who were second in the K2 16+ Women’s race – although they led for much of the race, an especially difficult portage put them just behind the eventual winners.

Eilidh was third in a challenging Under-18s Girl’s race. Jaroslav enjoyed his first Winter Series race this season, wading through the mud at the portages and coming 7th in the Vet men’s race.

7 miles (4 portages):
K2 16+ Mixed - Ben & Kerry Tubby 5th (1:18:32)
K2 16+ Ladies - Karen Bradley & Christine Meula 2nd (1:30:17)
K1 Vet Men - Jaroslav Klumpler 7th (1:23:59)
K1 u18 Men - Jack Gaulton 2nd (1:23:40), Daniel Baines 5th (1:35:34)
K1 u18 Ladies - Eilidh White 3rd (1:30:05)

On the 5-mile course it was Eddie who shone, winning silver in the Under-16 Boys, whilst Finlay and Oliver struggled to a very hard-earned silver in the Under-16 K2s race.

5 miles (4 portages):
K2 u16 - Oliver Klumpler & Finlay Sandall 2nd (1:23:36)
K1 u16 Boys - Eddie Kirtland 2nd (54:53)

Rupert was the standout performer on the short course, taking gold in the Under 12s boys race with a very well executed portage – he and Daniel also brought home significant points in the Dick Grieve category, as the only two unranked juniors competing for the club.

3 miles (2 portages):
K1 u14 Boys - Jasper Kirtland 4th (31:17)
K1 u14 Girls - Libby Gaulton 1st (31:18)
C1 novice - Petr Luksan 2nd (36:02)
K1 u12 Boys - Rupert Kirtland 1st (34:17)

Libby and Jasper worked brilliantly together, taking gold in the U14 girls and 4th in the U14 boys respectively. Petr was one of the very few high kneeler C1s on the course, taking 2nd place in the C1 Novice class.

As usual, Chelmsford were the overall winners of the event, with Cambridge second, and Stortford third.

See