15th August saw the third North Berwick Rowing Club Trades Cup. The rugby club were back to try to regain the trophy that they have won the previous two years and were joined by the lads from Space, plus two new teams for 2013, the Physiotherapists and the RNLI. None of the teams had any rowing experience but were given some coaching sessions to teach them the basics.

On the night we had two heats and a final, teams were handicapped to allow fair competition between the genders. In the first race the Space crew held their nerve and showed some style to hold of the rugby boys and get into the final. In the other heat the RNLI just managed to reel in the Physiotherapists who had a head start with the handicap system.

So the final saw the RNLI against Space and the RNLI showed some fitness and style to win at their first attempt.

Great effort from all the crews and we look forward to another event next year when we will have three boats to race.

Seeking a gentle warm-up for the North Berwick regatta, an intrepid NBRC contingent went south of the border, down Newcastle way on the 17th of September to take part in the second Great Tyne row. This is, as the name implies, a row along the river Tyne starting in rural surroundings to the west of Newcastle, passing through Newcastle itself and ending up at Tynemouth. Both skiffs went down accompanied by a newcomer, Speedwell, a Teifi double skiff belonging to a syndicate of club members and making her second outing under her new ownership (the first having been a brief practice the day before).

The opening regatta of the 2013 season saw a strong North Berwick team heading north to Coigach. The NB advanced guard (Issy) managed to secure our usual camping location and before long a bustling NB community had sprung up, much to the surprise of some fishermen who came back to find their tent surrounded. The final stragglers arrived shortly after midnight to find that several of their colleagues had at great personal sacrifice remained in the pub to welcome them.

A small but perfectly formed crew went to Eskmuthe Regatta last weekend. Another four seasons in one day fun!

We met at NB harbour to prepare the boat for towing. Masterclass in how to with Ann and Jacque, thanks ladies.

Arriving in sunshine we got the gazebo up and SJB onto the beach with help from the Eskmuthe rowers.  It was the theme for the day…everyone pitching in, getting involved with finding guest rowers and generally making the skiffie magic happen.

The first race for us was the Blindfold race. The conditions stayed good and with Steve’s expert coxing we managed to grab the bronze after a close finish (apparently!)

Then NB 45+ Mixed took Gold beating Eastern to Silver!

The weather took a turn for the worst as the Open Men with Norma coxing took to the start line. This race is a mix up with home boat, cox and stroke with rowers from other teams to make up the crew. Thunder was heard rumbling over Leith and the black clouds rolled up the Forth. The squall came across and Jacque braved the torrential rain to wave our flag on shore to guide them in to take Gold. Martin took Bronze rowing with Alnmouth.

Open Women up next and the summer weather continued. Ann took Gold rowing with Eastern and Norma Bronze with Eskmuthe.

The last race of the day, the Relay, was mixed up crews again and I rowed with Alnmouth. The men go first then the women jump in so the boat is the baton! Two men in our boat were over 6ft so two of our wee women struggled with not being able to reach the footrests….much hilarity. Claire Cadoux took Gold with Row Porty, Steve took Silver with Eastern and Jacque Bronze with South Queensferry.

The medal ceremony was finished with a fantastic song by Fox (Blue tutu lady) from Eskmuthe.

It was a grand day out with fabulous hosts, lots of laughs and great food. For a nearly newbie it was lovely to meet, chat and row with other clubs.

   
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Next up NB Regatta 26th August.  Let’s get the prayer mats out for calm waters, nae wind and sunshine!

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