Mersea Harkers Yard race

Early start and in the mixed crew for my first UK race. Some last minute illness caused some shuffling of the crew and we finished with only one man and 4 women - with me a beginner- we were at a real disadvantage.  We got off to a great start and rowed strongly to keep our place at the first mark. Then the tide was with us, we steamed forward, maintaining our efforts.  Second buoy and ahead of our rivals, 3rd mark and lead maintained - Then toward the finish. We were tiring but Jo kept us rowing long and hard. The finish gun went off, so time to recover and celebrate.  Our aim was to be better than last. Official time 29:03. We finished 7th out of 22! WOW! One man down, and me beginner! Delighted.