Our best time was 1h 8.5mins … and we completed the race in 57.5mins! There were 25 boats racing – and we came in at 22nd position.

The last 1K was the BEST. We were spurred on to chase boat no.11, which was 2 boats’ length ahead of us … that [...]]]>

The Spanish Armada did it!!

Our best time was 1h 8.5mins … and we completed the race in 57.5mins!
There were 25 boats racing – and we came in at 22nd position.

The last 1K was the BEST. We were spurred on to chase boat no.11, which was 2 boats’ length ahead of us … that would be about 25m. At the last 500m, we were half a boat’s length behind them, and we charged! At the last 200m, we were neck to neck and they started their last charge at this point. They started to pull away. They were tired, so were we! We had been charging for the last 500m, but we really REALLY wanted to finish ahead of them.

The last 100m charge by the Spanish Armada was a sight to see. We were poetry in water! Beautiful synchronisation, amazing hard pulls, lightening fast recovery. Oh … just visualising it again bring tears to my eye! :p

We did it! – we beat boat no.11 and came in 22nd position, in 57mins 34 seconds!!!
Amazing job, guys … I feel indescribably proud.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together for the racers -
Keith / Chun Onn – the main pacers
Zhen Yi / Jon / Yus / Monica – the supporting pacers
Ling Sim / Venice / Jehanna / Edu / Russel / Marcin – the middle pack (engine)
Teresa / Ignacio / Unai / Jing Kang / Sylvia / Alex – the last pack (power house)
and of course, Chris – our coxswain

Cheers!
Sylvia
Coach – Spanish Armada

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Some [...]]]> After another day of training, where we learned who had short strokes and those who pulled to fast, it was a comforting thought that we’re going to have BBQ with the team and friends at Gisela, Luisa, and Pepe’s new place. The party was filled with drinks, laughter, food, and good ol’ fun .

Some highlights were the television crew filming us as we waved goodbye, the educational discussions about the “widget” inside the Murphy’s Irish Stout, the Knight Rider car going up and down a ramp at the back of a speeding truck, and other wonderful discussions that only alcohol could bring out. No one got wasted, and everyone went home with a smile and perhaps a little tipsy.

Another great Spanish Armada get-together, and we’re just warming up!

Go Spanish Armada!

…then there are pictures….

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