A row around Coquet Island with Amble Skiff Rowing Club
Having left a busy Alnmouth beach on a late Friday afternoon, on the last day of July under grey skies, we launched our two skiffs from the slipway of Coquet Shorebase Trust. Thanks to the kind invitation from Amble Coastal Rowing Club, we accompanied both of their skiffs out of the harbour leaving a bustling quayside behind for a wonderful wildlife row. The aim was to row out to, and around Coquet Island. The rain held off, the sun made short, intermittent appearances and the sea was slightly bouncy as it felt like we were entering another world.
Coquet Island, home to a community of around 600 Atlantic Grey seals, was a delight to behold as we approached its rocky edges. One seal sighting became two, then four, then countless bobbing, splashing, and diving of streamlined joy! The Amble rowers did not hurry us along our way, but let us savour the delights of the seal colony. We were truly awestruck and beholden to the Amble Coastal rowers. Lulled into a false sense of security perhaps?
Rowing around to the east coast of the island the boats made a loose raft formation and we were then put through an initiation ceremony for first time circumnavigators of the island. With crowns of seaweed placed upon our heads, a chant recited and repeated, the bow rowers and coxes ‘blessed’ themselves and the rest of the crew with sea water cast from the water bailers. Some crew got much wetter than others – sorry Alison! After this spectacle, with an audience of scores of bemused seals, we continued on our way.
Now was the opportunity to experience the bird life of the island and appreciate its importance as a significant breeding location. Guillemot, puffin, terns (Arctic, Common, Sandwich, Roseate and Little – a first for Peter), gulls (Herring, Black-backed and Kittiwake) and gannets were observed in varying amounts. The terns took off and descended like confetti as we neared their cliffs. Buffeted by the waves towards the rocky edges of the island and joined by a Puffin Cruise, newly qualified sea cox, Lara, manoeuvred the skiff with confidence and a joyful smile. Indeed, as the clouds lifted and the sun illuminated the colours, our spirits and smiles were heightened even more. ‘What a way to start the weekend!’ was a call from a fellow Amble rower.
The return row took a little more effort as we rowed into the prevailing wind, but thoughts of coffee and cake to be provided by our hosts powered us on. Thank you Amble Community Rowing Club for inviting us and your generous hospitality. Evening was upon us as we returned the skiffs back to an almost deserted Alnmouth. An expedition successfully completed thanks to the immaculate planning and execution of David A.
