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| Sunday, 8 June 2003 |
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by Farah Macan Markar
Lap..lap..lap. The paddles of the slick boats caress the water, as the oarsmen pull themselves to the other end of the mighty Beira, for the start. It is a bright sunny Saturday morning and the sun beams down from her throne up high, bathing the lake and the banks with light, as if to wish the little manuals of the boats good luck. In the finishing line of the bank meanwhile, more of these slick boats are pulled out from their sheltering tents and carried over by their manuals to rest awhile on... boat couches (two stands at either end over which the boat is placed). Once comfortably seated they receive all the T.L.C (Tender Loving Care) needed for the big event. Carefully rigged, checked and pampered, these Princesses of the Water, are placed in their due luxurious bed, looked over once more and paddled across for the event of their lives. The 66th Madras-Colombo Regatta (M-C Regatta).
Today a 105 years old, the first Madras-Colombo Boat Race was held way back in 1898, which according to the records show it to be the oldest inter club boat race in the world. Some say it is probably the oldest boat race between two institutions next to the famous Oxford/Cambridge battle. Initially beginning with just one race of two Fours, 1972 saw the Madras-Colombo Boat Race turn into a fully fledged Regatta of two Fours, two Pairs and two Sculls, with the D.C.Trophy given to the overall winners. 1972 also saw for the first time ever, a ladies event, of a Four race in which the Colombon gals showed their girl power to the Madrasan ones. Something which was reversed this time around, the Madrasan gals winning all their events (even though their gents who were the ones earning the points didn't). And speaking of this seemingly usual male chauvinistic point system...one of its species, captain of the CRC, Lakmal Wickramage rushes to its defense saying that it has been difficult to award points for the ladies as their participation from both sides has until now been irregular. "However" the Cap says "As of the 1990's the ladies have been participating on a regular basis and are in a position of having a ladies Four, Pair and Scull race with points.
Getting back to the history of the race, in 1996 the game was open for veterans (those golden oldies of 35 and above) with The Friendship Trophy being awarded for the first time for the veterans' Four event. This still carries no points due to the irregularities of participants. The choosing of crew to participate in The Race is done by the Caps. Other than initially testing the participants on water and machine rowing, these Hawks also watch over the participants performances at club Regattas during the course of the year. Once chosen, the Grilling(training) begins. For about five to six days a week, with two sessions for the day, the Engines of the boat (the oarsmen) are grilled away from 5.30-7.30 a.m and 5.30-7.00 p.m. The grilling includes not only rowing the boats, but machine rowing, stretching, fitness training and weight training as well. Describing Rowing as therapeutic, Lakmal says that even when racing, other than the build up for the start, once the race begins, all tension eases out of the mind and body, and they both just simultaneously work on being focused and getting the job done. "The race tires you out too much for you to be tensed".
In the end, in a race, whether it be rowing or anything else it is colourless without the crowd. From the judges, chief guests and the distinguished invitees lot, to the parents, family and friends it is the support of the crowd, their enthusiasm and cheering which bring life and make extraordinary, what would otherwise be an ordinary, race of rowing. It is all this that makes - The Regatta. PS:- All this mind boggling, historical race info was from Lakmal Wickramage - Cap of CRC. |
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Yes. Held on May 24th 2003, at the Colombo Rowing Club (CRC) Beira Lake
section, it was an afternoon of rowing, racing, cheering, winning and
losing. Sculls, Pairs and Fours all pushing their way to the finish line,
trying to outstrip their fellow competitors. The Madrasans Vs the
Colombons, in which in the end, the Colombons won clinching the Deepam
Challenge Trophy (D.C.Trophy).
It is a matter being presently discussed and although it is not as yet
finalised, we hope to sort this matter out by awarding points to the
ladies in the next Deepam Challenge Trophy or having a separate overall
trophy for them".
While a single Scull can be difficult needing a lot of self motivation
and strength, the Pairs and Fours can be equally challenging needing
excellent coordination, cooperation and concentration. Other than the
oarsmen in the Fours there is a cox who sits opposite the oarsmen and
steers the boat. This small made fellow (no doubt to balance the strength
on the other side) chirps out instructions and motivates the oarsmen
during the race.
