[CUCBC Contacts] Ice

[Dan Wilkins]

Hi all

As you will no doubt be aware, the river has been freezing over the past couple of days with the low temperatures. I'm sure you've all seen the film Titanic so will be aware what can potentially happen when ice meets the hull of a boat...

Judging by the current state of the river, the current air temperature (-1.6 C as recorded by the weather station at the Computer Lab) and the weather forecast, it is very likely that there will be ice on the river tomorrow morning.

Judging by the most recent reports, the river is likely to be frozen beyond Ditton Corner and potentially (but less likely) on the Long Reach too. While this may not be a problem in an afternoon when there are only one or two boats out, it is more severe with the typical early morning traffic. 

As such, a pre-emptive YELLOW flag will be set overnight and will be reviewed by the CUCBC Committee in the morning. CREWS SHOUD NOT PROCEED BEYOND THE LONG REACH UNLESS THEIR COACHES HAVE CHECKED THAT THE RIVER IS TOTALLY CLEAR OF ICE AROUND DITTON CORNER.

All coxes must proceed with caution (i.e. it may not be a good idea to practice a race-piece through ice) and if you encounter significant ice, turn back rather than proceeding through it. It is not worth risking an accident in the current cold weather.

Lastly, consider if an outing would really be productive tomorrow morning - I'm sure a lie in would do everyone some good!

Dan

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Dan Wilkins (Jesus College)
CUCBC Honorary Secretary

E-mail: dan at cucbc.org
www.cucbc.org