Braving the Elements at the MR500

By Samuel Filgate /  Photo by Scott Acker

It was “Paddles Up” beneath the watchful gaze of the Singapore Flyer for our most recent event, and first big race of the season. Along with other Expat and Singaporean teams, we tested the waters of the Marina Bay reservoir, and had a great time doing so.

Despite several storm warnings and a torrential downpour which put things a little off schedule, we had lots of fun out on the water, and posted some good times in our qualifying rounds. This race was also a wonderful chance for some of our newest paddlers to get some first race experience under their lifejackets. We entered three boats into races: the usual mixed boats, and also our newest tradition – the Women’s 10 boat. This edition of the ‘Iron Butterflys’ (not quite sure the connection with dragons there!) included several paddlers in their first season with us. Way to go, girls!

All the races were wonderfully supported by those on shore, and the Canadian tent was a warm and cozy place when the rains came. Let’s just say we know who put on deodorant that day! The weekend was finished off with a team party at our sponsor’s, Harry’s Bar at the Esplanade, where various ‘on-sabbatical-due-to-new-children’ team members popped by for some “oohs” and “aahs” and games of Peek-a-boo.

And now, it’s all hands to the paddles preparing for the big Singapore River Regatta in July. It’s all to play for and our good times at the MR500 show we have a lot to show when the horn sounds and the boats fly.