Author: Barbara Agnew

Club captain Marianne writes: Following the announcements re the worrying spread of the Omicron variant, I need to let you know that the Committee has taken some decisions on the advice of the Return to Rowing subgroup. 
Covid measures from Tuesday 14 December.

1. Suspension of all rowing with immediate effect until further notice.
2. Closure of the Shed, with immediate effect until further notice.
3. Boat maintenance (but not Shed maintenance) to continue, but limited to three members, with at least the pedestrian door to remain open at all times for ventilation, masks to be worn, hygiene measures to be taken. 

The Committee has agreed that a small group (4-5) can go down at the Shed on Friday to turn the boat outside to allow further maintenance to take place.

I know this will be disappointing for everyone and it’s not something we are doing lightly.  We have a duty of care to members and hopefully by playing our part, our club community can help keep each other safe over the Christmas period.

The Committee and RTR Group will, as always, keep this under active review.

Mike B writes: After a dreich day this Saturday, let’s hope that the weather is a little kinder next weekend.

On Saturday the 11th of December, the tides will be suitable for social rowing to begin at 09:00. On Sunday the 12th of December, the tides are suitable for Youth rowing to begin at 10:00 and for Social rowing from 13:00.

Wrap up warm!

In other news, Scott has set up a public Facebook page for the club: Queensferry Rowing Club – Home (facebook.com) and an Instagram page as well: @queensferry_rowing_club • Instagram photos and videos Like the pages and share the links!

A QRC crew took the Lass out for a ‘lovely choppy row’ today. May Macleod took these beautiful photos.

Mike B writes: Given the Red alert for very high winds along the East coast tonight and tomorrow morning, I suggest that we should cancel social rowing tomorrow morning.

Our normal operating limit is a wind of 21mph and the forecasts are for gusts much higher than that, so I think we have to take the prudent approach and not risk it.

Peter noted on Tuesday that it was Ferry Maid’s 9th birthday, and that the occasion would be marked by a celebratory row by the men’s 60+ crew. Good timing, because much-needed maintenance work starts on the boat on Wednesday. Sheena, who saw off the Maid on her launch back in 2012, was at the harbour to greet the crew, and sent the club this message: “The weather nine years ago was lovely too and a day to remember. Happy rowing everybody.”

Let’s have Peter take up the tale: Some of you who have done training with me may remember me saying “If you are going to make a mistake, do it confidently.” Now, this is mainly for the potential archivists/historians of the future.

Sheena called me last night – and remember, it is Sheena who graciously set Ferry Maid off into the Harbour. She said, “Peter I have 24th November in my diary as the launch of Ferry Maid.” Well, of course she is correct! I can only apologise for my confident mistake. I could not have asked Mr Meredith and team for another day and as one of the ladies said yesterday morning, “Forecast is not good for tomorrow.”

So, the date for next year’s diary: 10th Anniversary of Launch of Ferry Maid, 24th November, 2022!!