On the 2nd August the inaugural women’s pair regatta was held on the Isis from the Timm’s raft to Folly Bridge. Two pairs consisting of Theresa Perera & Fiona Ryan (Coached by Doug Befroy) and Marilyn Mielke & Natasha Hill (Coached by James Hopkins) had been training for some weeks and after the generous loan of a pair by Lincoln College the race was set for the Saturday. The Mielke boat set off from the tow-path side with the Ryan boat on the Greenbank station and after a nervous start by both crews, a good clean race was in progress. Obviously unfamiliar with the steering of her new boat, Marilyn’s steering was somewhat erratic and a City VIII, a four, a scull and a punt almost fell victim to the Kamakasi Mielke boat. The Ryan pair, despite rowing very smoothly, lost ground going past OUBC and could not capitalise on the erratic course of the other boat. With about 50m to go the boats had a major clash which resulted in the Ryan boat falling 1.5 lengths behind and the victory went to Natasha, Marilyn and James. Trophies were presented to the winning team by Malcolm Finn, in front of adoring crowds.
It is hoped that this event can continue in the years to come and provide amusement for the rest of the boat club as well as developing the rowing talent within the Women’s Boat Club.