(Thanks to Ann Hume for the report)
Our journey to Alnmouth started on the Friday evening with boat packing at the dinghy park in the dark, an interesting experience and nothing was forgotten. Thanks to Dave and Mary-Ann Wishart who kindly towed the boat for us the next morning.
18 rowers made their way to Alnmouth on Saturday morning ready for an interesting afternoon of rowing.
I think a few of us wondered if we would ever get on the river as there was plenty water out at sea but nothing but sandbanks in front of us.
After a very detailed coxes briefing where, “avoid the sandbanks” and “avoid collisions” were the clear messages we were all set to start racing. We knew we were in for an interesting day with the Collaboration, Mystery, and Beer Races all on the programme.
The first races were fast and furious 500m sprints, heart rates were definitely high after them! These were followed by the Collaboration race. 2 boats going off together having swapped 2 crew members. The challenge was crossing the finish line together! This was followed by a 1200m race involving 2 turns and boats heading in opposite directions. Again speed was of the essence to get over that line first.
Next we were into the longer distance racing with the open women and open men racing over a 2km dogleg course passing 2 buoys and navigating the arches of a bridge, returning by the same course. Conditions were absolutely perfect and fast times were recorded.
Then we had the 3km pursuit, involving the 2 km course plus 2 additional buoy turns, phew!
It was now getting dark so the Mystery race remained a mystery and we moved on to the Beer Sprint. This was a 500m sprint with the cox holding a pint of beer. The challenge was to come over the line without spilling any on the way. The challenge for the cox was also seeing where she was going!
The day finished with Alnmouth’s fantastic hospitality. Hot soup, rolls, cakes a plenty and a wee nip to warm you up and make a toast to next year.
Looking forward to next year already!!!
