Boat club set for Soar race

LOUGHBOROUGH Boat Club is busy preparing for its annual rowing competition to be held on the River Soar between Zouch and Kegworth on Saturday (November 18).

The three kilometre course will accommodate clubs from all round the Midlands, as up to 75 boats race in time-trial format setting out at 30 second intervals. With the fastest crew being crowned as ‘Head of the Soar’ and with tankards presented to the winners of each individual boat class, it promises to be an exciting spectacle as crews negotiate the twisty and narrow course at speed.

Boats launch from the Loughborough boathouse at Zouch and warm up whilst positioning to the start which is upstream of Kegworth lock.

The racing is split into three divisions, with the start gun for each division being fired at 9.30am, 11.45am, and 2pm. Good views can be had by spectators from the towpath on the Sutton Bonington side of the river.

Although boats are theoretically started with the fastest type first, in practise there is a great range of speed on the day, and overtaking produce some exciting moments; the river is only just wide enough to accommodate two crews abreast and clashing of oars is not unknown!

Marshalls are positioned along the banks to adjudicate on any contentious manoeuvres.

Spectators and visitors are very welcome both to watch the racing and also to experience a warm welcome in the Loughborough Boathouse, where tea, coffee, hot food, and drinks are available.