The race was slightly against the tide, but very definitely against the wind, which meant it was hard work for all concerned. Times were slow this year, with even the winning boat taking a little over two hours to complete the course. Passing the Victoria Pier, Trevor (rowing at the bow position in RWYC’s Macsen) was seen having a very high time of it (on occasion), as well as doing creditable impressions of ‘Das Boot’. He would also have done very well in the wet T-shirt competition, had we organised one:
Following their exertions the rowers returned to the club to partake of the ‘Curry, Crumble and Custard’ repast from the club kitchens, have a well-earned drink at the bar, and to swap stories and compare the inevitable blisters. Brian even sustained one from coxing (blister, that is); those of a strong consitution may wish to ask him for more details. Or perhaps not.
All boats gained a certificate or trophy for their performance in their class and these were presented by Margaret, our President. It was generally agreed by all that the day had been a great success. On a personal note, however, I regret the absence amongst the raffle prizes of Martin’s traditional “humourously-shaped vegetable collection”, but one can’t have everything, I suppose.
As ever, many thanks are due to all who helped organise things at the club, to the support boats who looked after us, and especially to Mo who did a fantastic job coordinating the catering not only for our race, but the Open Evening on Friday and the Junk rig reception on Saturday evening too. What a star!
The following day, the much-vaunted ‘Rowers versus Yachties’ race finally took to the seas, as Macsen took on Danny Jo on a course from Y Felinheli to Nelson’s statue and back. I’ll leave it to our Commodore to furnish further details regarding this (very close) encounter, but suffice it to say that we won (just), and that during the rowing to-and-from Felinheli Yacht Club for a cup of tea afterwards Mark’s skill with an oar was noted.
