Author: Barbara Agnew

Peter writes: This Saturday we are taking a skiff up to the Tesco car park to promote the club, particularly the youth rowing aspect.

The outline plan is to load the boat onto the trailer after social rowing, then head up to Tesco for 1.00pm until 3.00pm. I would be grateful if some members could be at the car park to help unload the boat and during the course of the couple of hours, pop along and give support. I know it may be difficult as I know many of our Youth Members are active in other sports (and there is a big rugby game on), but if you or parents can come along and talk to anyone interested.

At 3.00pm it would be good to have a couple of people to load the boat again and unload at Port Edgar ready for youth rowing on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, Club captain Marianne has issued a special invitation for Saturday morning:

The weather looks good for social rowing and bacon rolls. Rising tide too. Yay!

However, we have something else for you too. One of our stalwarts recently celebrated his 80th birthday, so I’d like to invite you to help us celebrate with John – and eat a very special cake (after one of Peter’s Bacon rolls of course) – on Saturday 13 Nov from 09:00.

Most of you will know John of course, but for newer members, this is a good chance to come down, have a row, a chat and meet the legend himself!

Mike B writes: Next weekend the tides are favourable for us – on Saturday the 13th, social rowing can begin at the normal time of 09:00 and on Sunday the 14th it can begin at the normal time of 13:00.

All assuming that the weather co-operates, of course!

For rowing during the week, the afternoons will generally be best, with he exception of Friday when tides will allow morning rowing also.

Mike B writes: Next Saturday morning (the 6th of November) the tides mean that social rowing cannot begin until 11:30am.

On Sunday the 7th of November, our social rowing can begin at the normal time of 1pm.

For those who want to row during the week, the tides are mostly OK during daylight hours (but remember, with the end of daylight saving, it is now darker earlier!).

 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!