Jim Wilson Tiger Boat Challenge 2016

On a glorious sunny evening on the 20th April, West Cumbria Canoe Club and Derwentwater Marina hosted Cumbria’s fifth annual Tiger Boat Challenge on Derwentwater.  The turn-out was fantastic, with six of Cumbria’s canoe clubs represented.  In total 7 teams took part (70 paddlers) and close to 100 people were there on the night!  Teams were drawn from right across Cumbria including Carlisle, Penrith, Duddon, Copeland and Sedbergh.
Tiger Boats are like Dragon Boats but are slightly more stable.  They take a crew of 10 paddlers and a helm.  Derwentwater Marina kindly provided the boats and safety cover, as well as the stunning venue, which is also home to West Cumbria Canoe Club.  The canoe club put on a barbecue which was perfect in the bright evening sunshine, and by the end of the event a huge quantity of best quality local sausage and steak sandwiches had been consumed!
Racing Tiger Boats requires a quick start, with teamwork, balance, coordination and some hard graft essential.  Each of the teams races twice, with the fastest 2 making the final, with races thick and fast to pack them into the two hours before sunset. 
The team to beat were holders Penrith, who were present in force with 2 strong teams, but in the end their top team fell foul of the requirement to include a junior and missed the final due to the resulting penalty.  Often it was a case of grunt against smoothness and balance, and no more so than in the final which saw locals West Cumbria just sliding past a muscular Carlisle boat in the final 10 metres of the race to bring the trophy home for only the second time in the history of the event. 
Pete Knowles, who organises the event said "It is always great to see so many local paddlers and clubs coming together to have a great evening of fun on the water.  This event is now a regular annual fixture for all the clubs in Cumbria, and as such we have chosen to rename the event in honour of Jim Wilson to recognise the exceptional contribution he made to canoe sport in Cumbria.  A big thank you to everybody from West Cumbria Canoe Club who helped on the night and especially to Derwentwater Marina for hosting us all".
​Cumbria is a great venue for paddle sports and with clubs throughout the county, the opportunities to get out in a boat are endless!

West Cumbria pipping Carlisle at the line

The winning West Cumbria team

Results
West Cumbria Canoe Club            64.8
Carlisle Canoe Club                        65
Copeland Canoe Club                    67
Duddon and Sedbergh                  67.2
Penrith A                                          67.5        (penalty added)
Penrith B                                          68.5
Carlisle B                                          71
 
More information                 Pete Knowles                017687 73686
                                                      Alan Ashby                     017687 80050