In the 39th year of the exchange of the rowers of the Alkmaar rowing and Sailing Association (ARZV) with Minerva in Bath, England, a group of Alkmaar rowers left for the English Bath on October 11 for a weekend full of sporting and social festivities. This weekend in Bath was once again a perfect mix of sport, tradition and friendship – and for the 40th anniversary in 2025, plans for an extra special party are already in full swing! According to the program committee, it promises to be a spectacular year! Below is the report of this visit.
The trip to Bath was not an everyday undertaking! Because three adventurous rowers, Michiel Eijskoot, Joost van der Vaart and Michel Woudstra, decided to make the crossing by bike. Under the loud honking of the famous tracking car, driven by Chantal Eijskoot, they set off from the familiar ARZV terrain towards Hoek van Holland, where the ferry took them across the canal. Once on the English shore, they set out with fresh courage on their trek right through the English countryside, with the ultimate goal being the Minerva clubhouse!
Friday night the group was warmly welcomed in the atmospheric Bath Cider House, where the cider flowed abundantly and pizzas were shared.
in the afternoon, the traditional ”Boules” tournament was on the program, in the heart of the center of Bath on the Queens Square. Mixed teams of English and British rowers played with typical English flair, with scones and sparkling wine between the throws. An English patrol kept a close eye on everyone to see if the rules were being followed and if your glass was still full. In the end, Joost van der Vaart and his British partner won the prize, which earned them a warm applause and eternal fame.
Saturday morning started with a fresh rowing trip on the Avon near Minerva, which was so high due to heavy rainfall that boarding was a real challenge. The famous "Wellies" could offer help, but in the end it was easier to just step on the water barefoot. The current proved to be an additional opponent, as did the wandering tree branches, but with helmswomen from Minerva at the helm, all boats were safely docked again.
Later that night, the entire group headed to Mike & Amanda's wedding party, which featured an evening of traditional Anglo-Saxon dancing. Accompanied by a folk band and a masterful MC, dancefloor skills were tested on dances that ranged from graceful to, for some, hilariously intricate. Jaap Kwakkel has certainly earned his nickname ”Fred Astaire” and hopefully we will see more of that in the future.
In between, you could get a sturdy burger at the local food truck to replenish the energy reserves. For the thirst you could go to an American guy who was only too happy to hand out his famous ”Barbados Rum” or you could get a ”half Leo” at the bar. The enthusiasm on the dance floor and the enormous hospitality made for an evening that will remain in your memory for a long time!
Sunday morning the weekend was crowned with the traditional time trial on the Avon. The teams competed in three boat formations: a men's eight, a women's eight with Alkmaar fours, and finally a doubles. Times were accurately added up and calculated using an ingenious English calculation model, after which Minerva managed to take victory with a minimal margin. "Oh, Michiel might have kicked a little harder,” Jesse Timmerman said afterwards with a nod to his teammate.
The weekend ended with an evening at the Harrington Club, where, by tradition, the Wooden Spoon was awarded for the most memorable action of the weekend. This honor this time went to Billy Jo Bakker, whose performance undoubtedly makes for a good story at his next meeting at the club. While enjoying a warming chili and a last drink, the experiences were shared, the organization of both Minerva and Alkmaar was warmly thanked and the anticipation for the next meeting grew.
Monday the group left home satisfied, this time including the bicycle heroes, who wisely took their seats in the following car on the way back.
This weekend in Bath was once again a perfect mix of sport, tradition and friendship – and for the 40th anniversary in 2025, plans for an extra special party are already in full swing! Put it on the agenda, because it promises to be a spectacular year.
English (UK)