Author: Barbara Agnew

 Club captain Marianne reports: QRC enjoyed a successful day at the SCRA Freshwater Sprints, hosted by the Loch Tummel Sailing Club. It marks the traditional end to the regatta season.  

Like the 2021 regatta programme, the Freshwater Sprints were reduced, with only two rowers representing each club; Beth and I represented the club, with Anne P attending in her capacity as an SCRA Committee member.

After the customary early start, the rather dreich weather quickly gave way to the makings of a decent day, with rich autumn colours illuminating the hills and Schiehallion, which overlooks the Loch. Races were decided on the hoof, with some inventive categories!  Racing took place in Regional teams rather than clubs, this year East, West and North.  

Beth (QRC), Robbie Wightman (North Berwick), Stuart Mack (Boatie Blest) and Charlie (St Andrews) formed a dream East team, coxed by pocket rocket Liz (Broughty/QRC) in the Regional Trophy race. In a closely contested race, the East took an early lead, losing clear water at the turn, but doubling down to pull ahead again well before the line.  A fine win!

Liz, Beth and Anne P all secured gold medals – well done! Your new captain enjoyed more ..er… ‘leisurely’ racing (did get a second though!). Beth did some great race coxing, and I heard many compliments on her positive, motivational style!  

At the medal presentation, SCRA Convenor, Stuart Mack made reference to legendary QRC member Andy, commenting that the joy of the Sprints is that it’s series of ‘Andy Races’, helping to bring old friends together and to forge new friendships. Andy, who I sadly never had the pleasure of meeting, was renowned for turning up at regattas, whether QRC had a boat there or not, and rowing with anyone and everyone! The essence and spirit of Scottish coastal rowing indeed.

Mike B writes: The tides are entirely in our favour for the coming weekend, which means that social rowing on Saturday the 30th of October can begin at the normal time of 09:00 and on Sunday the 31st of October at 13:00.

Tides during the week are also quite favourable and will allow launching and retrieval throughout daylight hours, so if anyone wants to book a boat for during the week, feel free to contact me on mikebreewood@gmail.com.
Have a good week!

Club captain Dónal writes: You will probably be wondering what is happening with this year’s Freshwater Sprints, which take place at Loch Tummel on October 30th. Ordinarily we would send a strong contingent to take part. However, this year as with everything else it is different. The SCRA has decided that only two members per club can attend. 

Also, whoever goes will most likely have to represent the club at the SCRA AGM being held afterwards.

With this in mind, it will be a case of names out of the hat for those that wish to attend. If you would like to have the opportunity to attend the Sprints can you email me at dferrie74@gmail.com.

Club captain Dónal writes: As you will know, this year’s nominations haven’t quite gone as it normally would. It was assumed that all the Office Bearers were staying on for another year. However due to various circumstances some of us are unable to.

However, there will be continuity going forward as two of the current office bearers and a number of the committee members have expressed a desire to continue. The following are those that are willing to put themselves forward to help take the Club through the next year and beyond:

Captain – Marianne Sandison. Proposer: Dónal Ferrie, Seconder: Peter Locke.
Vice-Captain – Mike Breewood. Proposer: Marianne Sandison, Seconder: Peter Locke.
Treasurer – Anne Purcell. Proposer: Maria van Dalen, Seconder: Tansy Lee Moir.
Secretary – Tony Bacon. Proposer: Peter Locke, Seconder: Lorna Bark.

Committee
John Howell. Proposer: Beth Christie, Seconder: Marianne Sandison.
Beth Christie. Proposer: Marianne Sandison, Seconder: John Howell.
Lesley Jones. Proposer: Marianne Sandison, Seconder: Lorna Bark.
Douglas Carse. Proposer: Alistair Sturrock, Seconder: Alan Duch.
Alan Sutherland. Proposer: Peter Locke, Seconder: Douglas Carse.
Scott Boyd. Proposer: Lorna Bark, Seconder: Marianne Sandison.
Louise Innes. Proposer: Peter Locke, Seconder: Donna Martin.

The final deadline for nominations is Thursday October 14th. If anyone else wants to put themselves forward can you please contact Lorna on secretary@queensferryrowing.org with a proposer and a seconder.

Mike B writes: I’m afraid that the tides are not good for our normal social rowing time on Saturday the 9th of October. With that in mind, the Saturday social rowing will begin at 1pm and continue until everyone has had a row.

On Sunday the 10th of October, social rowing will commence at 1:30pm. There will be only one boat (Ferry Lass) available for social rowing initially – the Maid will be in use for Youth rowing from 1:30pm, as the tides are completely unsuitable for their normal Sunday morning slot.

Enjoy the week ahead and have a great time on the water at the weekend.