Picture the scene. A Thames RC women's coxed four is getting attached to the stakeboats at Richmond Regatta on 30 July 2001. The weather's good, the river conditions excellent. Absolutely no risk of capsize whatsoever. Or is there? Somehow, while they're getting attached, the crew managed to turn their boat over. Even people who saw it happen can't believe it. Fortunately, thanks to four fully working sets of heel restraints, all four crew (plus cox) get out and, with embarrassed smiles, push the boat to the shore. Just as well really, as most of the spectators were doubled up with laughter. But, had this been the middle of winter, on the Tideway, with no safety boat cover and even only one faulty heel restraint, it might not have had such a happy ending. Do you check your boats regularly during the year? Are you confident that you can safely get out of your boat every single outing, or do you assume that accidents only ever happen to someone else?
Also see two reports on the Tideway Slug: "What's black, white, red and wet all over?" and "Rollin', rollin', rollin'" .