Chair Hannah Macniven writes up the club’s representation at the 2021 SCRA AGM and Freshwater Sprints, held at Loch Tummel yesterday.
It felt rather celebratory to be heading off to Loch Tummel for the Freshwater Sprints, on a dark and rainy morning, with Judith C. Only 2 attendees were allowed per club, so we knew things were not going to be the same as usual, but this was our first Regatta in ages, so we were going to make the most of it.
It was lovely to see so many clubs here at the race briefing when we were quickly organised into teams. There were 3 boats, Ferry Sonnet from North Queensferry, Arthur Nicol from Broughty Ferry and Chippy McNeish from Royal West, so races needed 12 rowers to participate. Things nearly came unstuck at the beginning when only 7 men owned up to being under 50. The race was then opened up to under 55’s, and then to under 60’s… But crews were formed, enough for a good selection of races to go ahead.
Racing was competitive and after watching the men’s race, Judith and I were ready to go, Jude in Chippy McNeish and me in Arthur Nicol. We introduced ourselves to the rest of our teams, started to come up with some kind of plan and BANG we were off!
The race was a blur of hurting legs, arms and lungs. I remember thinking “nearly at the buoy and I can stop rowing and hold water, whilst the other 2 row us round.” We were the first crew around the Buoy and we picked up the stroke andwere back at it, enthusiastically encouraged by our cox, Liz from Broughty Ferry. The finish was close and it was with great relief that we heard the hooter, Parp … Parp … … Parp! With wobbly legs and now-cleared lungs we disembarked to find out who won, and it was our crew in Arthur Nicol! Commiserations Jude, who’s team came a close second!
We could then enjoy the beautiful scenery and watch the rest of the races, before we headed to the AGM. As the weather started to improve and the sun tried to come out, Marie, Christine and Kathleen appeared too, to watch the races with us. It was lovely to catch up with old friends and make some new ones!
There was also a race for the SCRA shield, a mixed crew race with crews from 3 regions, North, South-East and South-West. This was won by our region, South-East in Arthur Nichol, with Liz as cox—well done guys! Here are the final results should anyone be interested, but all in all, I’m going to end with a cliché, it really wasn’t about the winning but the taking part!
