The day started early, after packing boat up in pouring rain and gusty winds the night before, we were blessed with clear skies and hardly a breath of wind. Chilly but with a promise of warmth as the day went on.
The course, clockwise, (90 degree starboard turns) started under the Forth Road Bridge, round a buoy, then parallel to Hawes pier, another turn and back for home. About ten minutes we thought.
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Our fabulous 60+ ladies stormed ahead to take gold in the first race, not to be missed the 50+ men and women crews got silver and gold respectively. These were done in single waves. Now the harder part of winning your heat but also putting in a good time. The mixed open was a strong field leaving NB to miss out on the medals.
The Women’s open had ten boats, our boat had a problem with the VHF radio and missed the start, but powered on to get a great first turn rowing through two boats on the bottom leg and managing to take third in their wave to be pipped to fourth by the second wave. Men’s open slightly more vocal in the coxing, three boats getting towards the first turn fighting for a good line. Nb came out first and left the others standing to come through in fastest time of the day 8mins 47s and get gold.
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Our mixed novice, lovingly cared for and trained by Robbie, looked very professional and showed great technique as they pushed off the pontoon, huge smiles, enjoying the support. They did us proud, starting off in the far lane to bring Skiff John B round the turn with minimal rudder action and flew along the bottom leg and final stretch with a 30 second lead. Novice no more, fantastic job! Queensferry is the place our novices lose their newbie status. Andy’s race to polish off the day won by the Anstruther boat, Anne presented little gnomes to the scratch crew. Great finale to a super day. All fueled by excellent soup, sandwiches and cake, the new bridge will be fully in place by the time we’re back again. Well done everyone, keep smiling and keep rowing
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