A Tale of Team Spirit, Weather and Lots of Rowing
It’s a month since the opening ceremony and a great time to remind ourselves of some of the stuff behind the scenes. The races are well documented so I’ve picked out a few just to remind us of the brilliant week of not only racing but the team spirit and fantastic club members of Alnmouth Community Rowing.
Day 1: Opening ceremony
Flags were flying, people were cheering, the boats all shiny and ready to go. The British weather was not so accommodating, the wind came out to celebrate directly along Loch Ryan. The start line seemed a very long way out and those of us due to row were somewhat relieved that race postponements were announced. Quotes of the day were –“Ooo what a lovely bush” and “Isn’t that a weird shape” as 2000 contestants and families focused on sightseeing the Rhins of Galloway, their botanical gardens and visiting Scotlands most Southerly point. Lets not forget our quotes from Jenny “Puffing up the steps” and Peter who “Was willing but wouldn’t promise we would all survive”.
Day 2: Racing begins
A busy day of racing brought an early start for the 40+ womens team, Gill led the team to an immaculate start with Jen our stroke rower setting the scene for Alnmouths week. Lara and Jo were facing 2 events today. What a day for them; as well as battling the early morning winds in the longest 2k ever, they then took to the water again with Rob and Ade to bring a heat win for Alnmouth and a final, achieving 10th in the World in 50+ mixed. This would lead to more success in the 280+ with our men coming another 10th in the world, and a fantastic top position of 6th in the world for our 280+ mixed team. There must be a story here as the quote from the 280 crews was “Technology let us down, instinct pulled us through”. What a successful first day for the club.
Day 3: “Smelly stuff (synonym) happens, but there is no need to roll in it”
60+ mens – Long story short. Congratulations you’ve made the finals, no you incurred a penalty, sorry there wasn’t a penalty, there was a transcription error, Congratulations you’ve made the final. Behind the scenes this meant exuberance, followed by utter disappointment, followed by a beer, an erg training session, a sea swim and then delighted relief and an urgent call back from the 4 corners of the Rhins to row again. With adrenalin flowing John, Rob, Pete, Dave and Rhoda all came back in time and found the stamina to become the 8th fastest in the World. Fantastic day.
Day 4: “What a lovely day for a social row”
There is nothing quite like coming out of a turn ready to row as strong as possible and your cox shouting “Easy, back water”. Then colliding with a boat you had no idea was there, shouted at for being way out of our lane and blamed for causing a complete clash of oars and boats. Dave our cox was looking at 4 dumbfounded faces, we were all still trying to take in the “Easy” command, let alone the crash and also feeling bad and apologetic for totally messing up the turn and getting both boats disqualified. It was a beautiful day for a social row so we took our time returning to the finish line. On returning to shore, we learned that the other boat had actually crossed 3 lanes and in doing so took a direct course to impact with Enflaeda. Makes interesting viewing on the race footage. Meanwhile our 50+ men worked hard together to win their heat and as the day got hotter and hotter they came 14th in the world. Must be time to celebrate.
Day 4 Evening: The “Perfect BBQ”
Imagine a west facing idyllic sheltered Bay, white sands, barmy temperatures, blue skies and a setting sun all whilst surrounded by like-minded friends and great food. Our Ardwell Bay BBQ, expertly overseen by John, David, Jenny and Marion was this and more, one to remember and cherish.
Day 5: The Big one – 60 plus mixed with one very nervous Cox
What a delight for the club to see Rhoda recover form injury so our most experienced and successful crew could race, this year with a new cox, Lara. Everyone on shore gathered nervously at the big screens and got noisier and noisier as Lara steered a perfect race and brought the crew home to a place in the final. The whole club was cheering their final and again Lara coxed the determined crew to 9th fastest in the world. Dave and Rhoda take pride of place in the one liners today as Dave was asked “How big is your oar?” and “Rhoda went to wet herself”.
Final Day: “They are all 6ft tall and 4ft wide with bulging muscles – and that’s only the women!”
Open races are a great way to end the racing week and as the temperatures hit the high 20’s the final races were not only hot competitively. The line ups for these races are intimidating to say the least as you see the Dutch athletes out the corner of your eye. It’s a day to go out and enjoy and just give it your all. Both the men and womens crews did just that. Both teams raced their hearts out. Hats off to Gill who had 15 minutes warning that she would be racing, this crew had not practised together as this crew but they jelled and had a dramatic sprint finish, just because they could. Bonus for overtaking that intimidating team in the next lane. After all, as Ade says “It’s all in the head, you are not exhausted”
Gazebo down and boat prepared for towing, club members had a fantastic week.
Thank you to Dave and Rhoda who did so much to help make this happen. thank you to our other coxes, Gill and Lara who also took up permanent residence at the clubhouse this year. To family and friends, racing club and social members for supporting our endeavours to train, thank you for your patience. To those of you who helped with coxing and crews when we asked …a massive thanks – you helped to get us out on the water for precious hours.
It’s great to be part of such a friendly welcoming club and there seems to be a buzz and a desire to improve. Roll on North Berwick and bring on the training for the next 3 years – SkiffieWorlds 2028 – we are coming for you.
