by Jacque Turner
We watched the weather all week to see if the revised date for Eskmuthe would happen. Skiff Blackadder was lovingly packed up on Friday. Could anyone remember what else we needed? The wonderful Wisharts collected a trailer from Port Seton, thank you.
Saturday dawned brighter than expected. We were all positive, but how many layers to wear? We donned our red and black kit for the last but one regatta of the year, a few brave souls still in shorts.
The coxes briefing informed us that all races would be shortened to 800m with a quick change over. This was to fit in as many races as possible before weather conditions were expected to change.
The novices were first up. They had never rowed together, or been coxed by me. I was thrilled as I love sharing our passion. The greatest comment: “I must bring my drink in case I need a drink in the middle of race” (no names mentioned). Eight skiffs on the start line, a super start and great to see smiling faces and the fire in their eyes. Superb turn and fighting for 3rd place all the way back, trying to ride the incoming tide and following wind. Back on the shore I was asked: “Did you realise you had gone round the buoy to port rather than starboard?” I’ve never done that before. First time for everything….we had fun!
The next crew were the 240 mix. With building conditions and strong competition they came back in 6th place.
The open mens crew were aiming for gold but received a time penalty due to some clashing of oars at the turn. This meant a shared silver place.
By the time the open ladies race was due to start, the conditions really had changed for the worse, with steep waves and troughs and a strong North Westerly wind while they waited on the water for instructions. This was the right time to call it a day.
Despite the short day, we enjoyed Eskmuthe hospitality, team cheeriness and cakes to take home.
