Troon CRC regatta took place off South Beach on Saturday and was a resounding success for both the hosts and the crews from Royal West. The guys from Troon CRC put on a very slick and faultless event, even more impressive is that this was their first attempt at putting on a formal regatta. The regatta was attended by around 5000 people… they mostly turned up to spend time sunbathing on the beach but I believe Troon might include them in their attendance figures anyway….
Crews from South Queensferry, Carrick Coastal Rowing Club, Firth of Clyde (Fairley) and Royal West brought Skiffs. Representatives from the Dalriada Festival organizing committee came over from Northern Ireland to promote the Rowing regatta taking place on the Antrim coast on the 20th of July, which the Royal west has competed in the last two years. These guys didn’t come over to row but ended up competing in various races to form composite crews over the day.
The race was a 1500m triangular course with a mass start from the beach, this proved interesting as crews jockeyed for front position leading to the the first starboard turn mark. This was also an opportunity for us to trial our new oars and pin system with a view to some fine tuning for World Championships in July
Royal West, with a composite crew, took 1st in the first race of the day which was the mixed open with Alex Paterson, Marie Paterson, Adam Graham, Elaine Nelson (Ireland) Jim Ford (Cox). 2nd place went to South Queensferry.
Royal West also took first in the following
Women’s open (Composite crew)
Men’s open Marie Paterson (cox), Ian Clark, Mat Henderson, Callum Ford (Stroke) and Robert Dowall. This was the tightest race of the day with a split second separating Royal West and South Queensferry over the line.
Men’s over 30 race. Marie Paterson (Cox), Jim Ford (Stroke), Adam Graham, Alex Paterson and Robert Dowall.
Mixed over 30 race. (Composite) including Mat Henderson (Cox), Jim Ford & Marie Paterson.
The men’s 50+ win went to South Queensferry with a composite Royal West taking 2nd place.
We took Overall Team trophy so look out for the new addition the bar. A victorious day in the sun …
Alex Paterson
Captain of Boats