Yesterday the Cookham Regatta took place under leaden skies more like a November day than the 6th of September! 

This year the Cookham Challenge involved Dragon Boat racing, Canadian Canoe Cats, volleyball, tug of war and the "silly walk" race (4 man skis)

The David Lloyd Vikings were put together Emma Buckland initially from the staff of David Lloyd Health club in Maidenhead, but after a few of the fit crew whimped out, the chaps from the Crawford Arms stepped in. 

There were a number of corporate teams as well as the local groups who were well represented.

The Vikings got off to a fantastic start with a victory in the opening volleyball match (by the skin of our teeth) and followed this up with a comprehensive victory over the team from NEC.  On to the tug of war which seemed to last forever where we scored another victory.

This was followed up by the dragon boat race, where the team took to the water for the very first time.  By the time we had reached the start line the nerves had disappeared and the team was ready for the race.

With a huge cry and a determined pull the boat was away and gliding to a comprehensive victory.  It was fantastic fun, even with a gale blowing and the storm clouds opening to soak us.

Buoyed by this victory the team took to the Canadian Canoe Cats (two Canadian canoes joined together, six paddlers and one person steering). 

This was a disaster.  The paddlers were fantastic, person steering was hopeless.  Oh that was me.  We must have traveled twice the course length and still only just lost.   I was difficult but in truth, I was simply hopeless.

On to the 4 man ski, silly walk.  This event proved to be challenging for us.  With two teams only feet apart, the shouts of left, right, left, right became confusing and we suffered defeat in both our races.

This meant that we had three events to go.  Another dragon boat race, canoe cat and tug-of-war. We needed to win all three!

The dragon boat race was decided without us having to raise a paddle in anger.  The other team had been depleted and could not paddle.  We were gutted, but took the victory.  Instead we turned our focus to the tug-of-war where we again scored a comprehensive victory.