Writing this short piece for the ICBC website has prompted a look back through various articles, results and media spanning the last season, reminding me what a huge step forward we’ve taken this year - and what a great time we’ve had doing it.  With new Head Coach Don McLachlan in the driving seat, the Imperial squad has continued to expand and develop in strength and depth.  Our wide-ranging achievements this year are testament to Don’s experience, expertise and commitment to driving development at all levels of the squad.

The tough winter’s training was brought to a close with impressive results in several head races, notably a fantastic 4th position at the women’s head from a full Imperial/Sport Imperial crew.  The men’s head was another great success with a top ten finish, three pennants and overall four crews in the top 25 – a feat matched by no other club.  Good form continued through to the regatta season, with the club once again winning medals at both Henley Royal and Henley Women’s Regatta, and our athletes being selected to represent GB at international regattas throughout the summer.

The new season is already underway and everyone at the club is raring to go.  We have an exciting intake of new athletes as well as a strong returning squad.  To everyone involved with ICBC, I wish you the best of luck as we look to build on our strengths and successes.  Let’s make this a cracking year.

Paddy Hudson, September 2011