Canada's senior development women's eight was second today at the Koninklijke Holland Beker regatta in Amsterdam.
The Dutch women's eight won in 6.06.65, Canada's time was 6.16.60 and the younger (under 23) Dutch eight was third in 6.23.32 in today's light tail-wind conditions.
Yesterday, this same senior development women's eight (non-Olympic) won its race on the first day of the Holland Beker. Canada's time was 6:18.96 over the Dutch U23 crew (6:22.14)
"They clearly improved with each row," said coach Jeff Powell, "and I think it bodes well for the next quadrennial that we have a group on non-Olympic athletes within striking distance of an Olympic-bound (Dutch) boat. Their performance here suggests that we are on track for a strong showing at the Henley Royal Regatta (in England) at the end of the month; our ultimate goal for this program."
Athletes competing this weekend are Kate Goodfellow of Ottawa, Ont., Jennifer Martins of Toronto, Ont., Alyssa Weninger of Unity, Sask., Jody Schuurman of Vancouver, B.C., Lisa Roman of Langley, B.C., Rosie DeBoef of Victoria, B.C., Kerry Shaffer of Welland, Ont., Sarah Bonikowsky of Orangeville, Ont. and coxswain Eden Full of Calgary, AB.
This was the only Canadian crew participating at this annual event.