Over the weekend of 11-14 april 2025, a large group of rowers and supporters from Minerva Bath Rowing Club came to visit the ARZV. This year everything was marked by the number 40.
40 years of exchange-40ste AA Race and 40 visitors!
Usually we get a delegation of around 20 rowers and supporters from England every year. This edition is 40ste during our visit to Bath last October, we did a lot of advertising. And with success! After a period with the necessary arrivals (and unfortunately) cancellations, a group of exactly 40 people finally arrived. A lot to arrange.
Friday evening we welcomed our guests with a meal and party at Café Pluim on the Ritsevoort. After a speech by the president, (former)members of both associations could meet to form new ties and strengthen old friendships again. There was a DJ when the host families dropped in to pick up their guests.
Also on Friday, the special 40-year anniversary clothing was distributed, designed by ARZV member Elke Vossen and printed by the Alkmaars company CecoTex. A nice memory that was worn a lot during the weekend when the weather got a bit chilly.
On Saturday we unpacked! No usual rowing training in Alkmaar as preparation for the competition. Instead, the train was taken early towards Amsterdam Amstel and after a walk to rowing club Willem III was boarded in 4x C4 boats brought from Alkmaar and 6x wherries rented from Willem III. Then on this beautiful sunny day a 15km trip was rowed on the Amstel and through the canals of Amsterdam. A pleasure to see the city from a different perspective. Back in Alkmaar we had a delicious dinner at the IJkgebouw in the evening.
The Sunday of the exchange is always the match day. In Alkmaar that means participating in the AA Race-4km rowing from rowing club OSSA to the Leegwaterbrug in Alkmaar. This year with an extra 250m sprint after the NelsonMandela Bridge. Minerva was well represented by as many as 8 boats and blik was taken (medals) by the H4+ and the H8+.
After the game there was a nice after-dinner in the sun and Pizza eaten from the pizza tanker, including a Special English breakfast-pizza! Then it was time for the award ceremony. The Challenge Trophy this year went between the eights present, both women and men and resulted in a victory of the ARZV with a difference of 1 second. The Trophy will therefore remain in Alkmaar. The wooden Spoon, issued for 'Poor peformance' during the weekend, did go to Bath. After another pleasant evening, some were already said goodbye and plans were made for the visit to Bath later in the year.
After returning their rental and public transport bikes, our guests left with many thanks to their hosts for the pleasant and successful weekend and the organization of the weekend was finally allowed to rest. Once again, the weekend was only possible due to the generous contribution of the AUC. There have been many friendships built over the years between members of the two associations and it remains special how special the bond between us is.
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