BCS vs. UBC (1924) & UVIC (2016)

4 November 2016Mr. Brian Carr

The first time Brentwood hosted a university crew was in 1924. Ninety-two years later, we had the same body of water – larger boats – bigger bodies. April 26th 1924 The University of British Columbia were kind enough to send over a crew on April 26th. It was a glorious day, the inlet was misty with an enchanting haze and the bay was graced by Mr. Dollar’s beautiful yacht, the "Rio Bonita." Brentwood was represented by Adamson 153 lbs. at stroke, Reade 177 lbs. at 3, Smith 140 lbs. at 2, and Macaulay 135 lbs. bow. Our opponents were older and more experienced, but averaged the same in weight. Mr. Butchart officiated as umpire and started the race at about 4:15 p.m. Our crew started with a tremendous sprint and pulled a length ahead in the first two minutes. The University settled down to a hard, steady stroke, and when they challenged us, our crew lost style, which resulted in the loss of the lead. At about half-way Brentwood went out of their course slightly and lost a length, which was increased to three at the island. Adamson quickened and his men responded with a valiant effort, but could only reduce the distance between the boats by a length. October 30th 2016 The University of Victoria were kind enough to send over a crew on October 30th. It was a glorious day, the inlet was clear with an enchanting slight breeze coming down the channel and many moored boats on either side graced the bay. Brentwood was represented by Lancashire 200 lbs. at stroke, Tautz 170 lbs. at 7, Kirker 195 lbs. at 6, Witts 170 lbs at 5, Poseley 190 lbs at 4, Madigan 190 lbs at 3, Surwald 180 lbs at 2, Meeker 160 lbs at bow and Holmes, the coxswain. Our opponents were older and more experienced, but averaged the same in weight. The first piece went from the Mill Bay side of the ferry docks and ended up in Todd Inlet; the site of the original race course for the old school. The School crew, given the opportunity to stroke two beats higher than the university crew, was able to get a length out in front and finished that way at the end of the 20 minute piece. After a 10 min rest and a history lesson from the Admiral, Mr. Carr Sr. started the second piece at about 9:45 a.m. The second piece took us from the old school docks right to the docks of the present-day campus. Our crew started with tremendous spirit and stayed with the University for the first two minutes. The University settled down to a hard, steady stroke, and when they challenged us, our crew lost style, which resulted in the loss of the lead. At about half-way, Brentwood struggled with the head wind and lost a few lengths; which was increased to three at the Mill Bay ferry docks. Lancashire quickened and his men responded with a valiant effort, but could only reduce the distance between the boats by a length. Both crews crossed the finish line exhausted and relieved to have survived their 47 minute row across the bay. Once the boats were washed and put away, we hosted the University to our world famous brunch. Thank you to UVIC’s Men’s Reserve 8+ for coming up Island to practice this morning. Many lessons were learned and the boys are now ready to race next weekend in Seattle. Mr. Brian Carr

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