Over the weekend of 17 to 20 April 2026, a group of 17 rowers and supporters from Minerva Bath Rowing Club visited ARZV, Rowing Department. On Friday evening, the guests were welcomed with a meal at the club – prepared by members of the events committee. The English guests were welcomed outdoors in the sunshine with a delicious tomato soup followed by lasagne. They caught up, and the host families arrived to collect their guests.
On Saturday, the usual rowing training began in Alkmaar in preparation for Sunday's race. Afterwards, the group departed from Alkmaar-Noord station for Den Helder to visit the Maritime Museum. Along the way, the English guests enjoyed the colourful bulb fields in bloom alongside the railway. At the Maritime Museum, the guests were given a tour in two groups. The guides eagerly recounted the Dutch Navy's victories over the English. Everyone was particularly impressed by the visit to the submarine. Once inside, you feel the wall of heat and the cramped conditions. Immediately, everyone had immense respect for those who served on them.
Back in Alkmaar, we had a lovely dinner at Stadscafé Laurens in the evening.
AA-Race
Sunday was the day of the AA-Race. 4km of rowing from rowing club OSSA to the Leeghwaterbrug in Alkmaar. Minerva participated this year with 3 boats: a ladies veterans double four, and a ladies veterans double two, and a mixed eight – for which ARZV filled the empty spots. The race for the mixed eight proved difficult because a check of the boat, which had already been used in the morning heat, was forgotten. After part of the warm-up, one of the rigger pins was found to be loose. Fortunately, the sweep had already spotted the missing part on the launch, and it was already on its way to the start, allowing the boat to be repaired at OSSA.
Award ceremony
After the AA Race, there was a delicious meal, entirely catered by Ropaja. After that, it was time for the award ceremony. The Challenge Trophy was, once again this year, contested between the eights present. The ARZV veteran women versus a mixed eight from Minerva – men and women, then. Even with 3 borrowed members from our women’s eight, and the 4 men in their boat, the English team didn't manage to beat our ladies. So, the Trophy remains in Alkmaar. The Wooden Spoon, awarded for ‘Poor performance’ during the weekend, did go to Bath, following an incident at Schiphol Airport involving a suitcase and a tumble dryer. After another pleasant evening, goodbyes were exchanged and plans were made for the visit to Bath later in the year.
After returning the rented bicycles, our guests departed. The organisation, consisting of Elke, Michiel and Colin, could finally relax. For Michiel, this was his last time as organiser. All those involved owe him many wonderful exchanges. We will certainly miss him in the organisation. Thanks Michiel!
The weekend was made all the more successful by the generous contribution of the AUC. Our sincere thanks for that. Looking forward to our visit to Minerva Bath in the autumn!
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