Saturday 4th June saw ten members of Arran Coastal Rowing Club (ACRC) take part in their first skiff regatta in Troon. Who would have thought this when we launched our skiff Iolair at the end of September last year? Most of us had had no rowing experience at all up to then. But now we felt we’d give it a try and sniff some regatta feeling.
We were very curious (and we have to admit nervous as heck) what would be waiting for us. Ten clubs from around Scotland congregated at Troon South Beach in the morning to row against each other over a 2km triangular course in various categories. The weather was ideal and there was a very friendly, generous and welcoming atmosphere among the participants as well as a real spirit of fun. The beach was decked with many colourful tents and boats and there was a lot of interest in our beautifully designed and painted skiff Iolair.
Well, we must say, we were very surprised and proud at the end of the day at how well we had done. We entered crews in four categories: Ladies Open, Men’s Open, Mixed 47+, Men 47+ and also helped other clubs out with rowers (including the Men’s 65+ race and Mixed 47+). We gave everything and came 4th in 3 races and 6th in another. Great, isn’t it? 🙂
Actually we tasted blood and we will definitely do it again! You can join us anytime. New rowers – beginners or advanced – are always very welcome. Don’t be worried, it’s not all about racing, it’s about enjoying ourselves being out together and having fun. It’s perfectly ok just to have leisurely rows in our beautiful bay.
And last but not least some heartfelt thanks:
First of all many thanks to the Troon Coastal Rowing Club for their excellent organization and wonderful hospitality. We really enjoyed the yummy home baking and sandwiches which powered us up for the afternoon races. Even the conditions for our first regatta were superbly organized – sunshine and calm sea. We enjoyed the many chit chats with members of the other participating clubs.
A very special thank you to Alistair who kindly offered to tow Iolair to Troon and back with his beautiful Arran Rose and offered us accommodation on board for the whole weekend. This was such a special treat for us 🙂 Thanks also to Geoff who came along and took tons of wonderful photos. You can see them on our Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/Arran-Coastal-Rowing-599468700153153/?fref=ts
All photos here by Dave Ingham and Geoff Norris
On our way to Troon
Bye bye
Regatta atmosphere
The organizers
Troon South Beach
Enjoying ourselves
Waiting for the 1st race
Our rowers at Troon
Helping out
Cil rowing with Largs
Go Iolair
Men’s crew
Hard work
in the middle
starbord turn
keeping up
overview
Ladies open
rowing hard
under surveillance
super turn
Mixed Team ready to go
Mixed Team +47
we came in 4th – hurrah
we are happy 🙂
