First of all, given our rudder on SJB was broken yesterday we would like to give a big thanks to two clubs:
- Eastern for offering their boat for one of our races on Wednesday where Blackadder was already being used by our USA friends, and….
- Massive thanks to Wigtown Bay for getting us out of a major problem by gifting us a rudder fitting
First off was Captain Robert rowing for Eastern U40 men coming second in their heat and a creditable fifth in the final.
0940 it was the U40 women. Lots of proper warm ups and nutrition beforehand but in Blackadder with bungees holding down the more rustic footrests compared to SJB. As they were on the water moving to the start line bosun Phil brought a fixed rudder with new part courtesy of Wigtown Rowing Club member…SJB was nearly fixed…would they miss SJB???
ABSOLUTELY NO!!!! Gold in 12.22!!! An amazing result 11 seconds faster than anyone else on the time trial basis. Massive congratulations to cox Ann Hume with Jessica Ivy, Rachel Schofield, Lena Kraus and Lexie Cowan!!! Look at those smiles.
Next up, as the U40 girls were celebrating the announcement of their 1st place, was the 60+ men who had a sweaty and tough row in a heat dominated by Dundrum and Golspie. SJB back on the water though and the rudder working well courtesy of the chap in 60+ Men bow seat. Well done cox Jo Drewitt, stroke Clive Drewitt, 3 Richard Jones, 2 Johnny Scott and bow Phil Robertson.
1240 – NB 60+ women sailed through their heat, in the heat! Matching sunglasses but no match for the competiton in Heat 4! Back to the gazebo to rest and refuel before the final. In the meantime two more heats in the afternoon.
1340 – NB 40+ mixed were involved in some controversy at the turn with Dundrum failing to go around their buoy and then impeding NB. In the event, after a long wait, Dundrum were DQ’ed and NB through to the final despite a 10 second penalty for some other incident.
1600 – our U40 mixed got through their heat in 3rd position making it three finals to look forward to at 1740, 1820 and 1900. Another full day.
And so to the finals, first up NB 60+ Women.
GOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a race! Nothing in it to the turn between NB and others including the usual Dundrum. Then an excellent turn gave NB the lead and despite a concerted effort by St Ayles to knock our girls off #1 position NB held on and accelerated away at the end. What a result cheered on by the NB contingent by the big screens on the now named ‘Hume Hill’ 🙂
Massive cheers from the onshore team as the W60+ came in and celebrations are sure to go on for quite a while. Well done cox Lizzie Cowan, stroke Claire Simpson, Ann Hume in 3, Jude Gallon in 2 and Jo Drewitt in bow.
Our U40 mixed NB came 10th in their final and then our 40+ mixed NB followed up with a similar result in very hot and humid conditions with some of the crew members having rowed earlier in the day. A great effort to get through to the finals everyone well done!
And then it was just the awarding of gold medals to our excellent crews!
Congratulations to NB U40 Women and 60+ Women – we are so proud of you becoming WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!
PS – thanks to Blackadder and SJB….you both delivered Gold for NB today….rest easy on the beach tonight.