Author: Barbara Agnew

Marianne writes: As you may know, the annual North South Race takes place on Saturday 02 October.

This is a race across the Forth between QRC and our friends in North Queensferry .  It echoes similar races held since the 1800s in a variety of craft, involving the Navy and local boat clubs.  We are continuing a fine tradition!
The beautiful trophy pictured below is at stake. It was originally a gardening trophy, which seems appropriate given the club obsession with growing tatties!  

The trophy has spent roughly equal amounts of time at either side of the Forth, but has unfortunately resided at the ‘wrong’ side for the past two races.  We need to change that!

If you are interested in taking part, and it is open to all members, whether you have previously taken part or not, please let Dónal know via  captain@queensferryrowing.com. You can also sign up, in time honoured tradition, via the sheet on the noticeboard in the Shed.

We have a WhatsApp group for those interested in taking part.  Those in the group can organise to get out together and get some practice in.  A crew will be selected nearer the time.

Dónal is talking with NQ about the exact format of the race, and there may be the possibility of a B race, as in previous years.  This year we are racing South to North, and it will be NQ’s turn to host any post-race festivities.

Club secretary Lorna writes: I am afraid I have some news which is disappointing. At last week’s committee meeting, the decision was made to postpone the Youth Event scheduled for September 18th.

This was a decision not taken lightly, but the committee felt that because of the worsening Covid situation, especially in the school setting where most of our youth members come from, having a gathering of youth rowers is not a necessary risk that needs to be taken at this time.

There are also a few events on in Port Edgar (including the Queensferry Boat Club Regatta in the bay) that day which would have impacted our activities.

I know this is not news that you will want to hear to add to the postponement of our own regatta last month, but we feel it is the correct decision at this point.  I really hope 2022 brings us better luck!

Regarding social rowing on Saturday, it starts at 09:00am so both boats will also now be available in the afternoon if required, as the Youth Regatta will no longer be taking place.

Club secretary Lorna writes: Please click here to view and/or download the Calling Notice for Queensferry Rowing Club’s AGM, to be held on Thursday the 28th of October 2021.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic, we will be conducting our AGM as we did last year – via Zoom.  More information will be sent out on this later.  Please read the notice carefully, as there are a lot of important dates to remember.

If you have any questions regarding the notice, please contact myself,
or any other committee member.

Mike B writes: Well, the tides are good for evening rowing during the week, however next weekend will be a bit of a washout as far as rowing at our normal times is concerned.

Social rowing on Tuesday and Thursday evenings next week will commence at 18:00. As is our practice now, we shall have one bookable crew for 6pm each evening with the second boat available for those who just turn up on the night.
We don’t have many evening sessions left this year, so I would urge you all to make the most of them, either by booking into the bookable crews or by coming along for the turn up and row crews. You can book into the bookable crews by emailing me directly on mikebreewood@gmail.com.

Sadly the tides are not feasible for our normal rowing times on Saturday so there will be no scheduled social rowing on Saturday. If anyone wants to organise a crew or crews between 07:00 and 10:00 or between 13:45 and 20:00, please let me know on mikebreewood@gmail.com.

On Sunday, social rowing can begin at 14:30 and continue until 20:00 if necessary.

Mike B writes: For a second week running, the tidal gods are smiling upon us! Social rowing will be available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 18:00. There will be one bookable rowing slot each evening at 18:00 – if you would like a place in the bookable slot on either of those evenings, please email me directly on mikebreewood@gmail.com.

Social rowing on a ‘turn up and row’ basis will also be available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 18:00; on Saturday morning from 09:00; and on Sunday afternoon from 13:00.

The boats will be used on Sunday morning by our gold medal winning Youth Team – congratulations to them on their stunning win at North Berwick yesterday!