In August 2024 intrepid rowers from Alnmouth rowing club ventured to Ireland to race
As the Olympics drew to a close, spectators watched on the edge of their seats, as finely tuned, highly focussed oarsmen, driven on by their vocal coxes, sensed the fast approaching finish line and strained every muscle in one final push in search of that illusive medal…..
But this was not Paris, this was Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland and we, the spectators, were watching the highly contested final of the Mens 280 plus category at Skiffie Fest 2024.
For the second successive year a group from the club had journeyed, boat in tow, across the Irish Sea to compete at Skiffie Fest, against 17 other boats, including some from the leading Scottish and Irish Skiff rowing clubs. This year our numbers had been swelled by some of our friends from Eskmuthe club who kindly supplemented some of our crews and the categories we competed in.
Despite some very blustery (albeit sunny) weather creating some challenging rowing conditions our crews enjoyed a very successful regatta qualifying for 12 finals in various categories.
A well organised regatta over three days in an idyllic spot at Strangford Lough provided some competitive rowing and a great opportunity to renew old and make new acquaintances in the friendly Skiff rowing community. A memorable and sociable time was enjoyed by all those who attended from Alnmouth and Eskmuthe.
Oh and as for the exciting Mens 280 plus final, our intrepid crew of finely tuned, highly focussed rowers, won a very well deserved bronze medal in a very competitive final. So huge congratulations to them.
