Yesterday was the launch of our second boat Blue Bay. The whole event and the
day in general was a great success and this was entirely due to the efforts of
Bev and her organisational skills. There were a few surprises, the first of
which was lovely weather with brilliant sunshine. The Wormit and Anstruther
Clubs managed to attend and rowed out towards West Sands before the launch
ceremony which was introduced by Stephen. The Blue Bay was then named and
launched by Julie.
After the official part, we all gathered at the harbour gates under our gazebos
for the food and refreshments which Bev had organised. It was great to see the
harbour nice and busy and Cameron Rae, who is the Harbour Trust chairman was
very complimentary of our efforts and the buzz that we were able to create
around the harbour, complete with Graeme's bunting. The highlights were many,
but one that stands out is managing to take out Mrs Hogg in Sand Bay Century
for a ride around the harbour. Mrs Hogg donated ?100 for oars and so it was a
real treat to get this lady of senior years into the boat and to recognise her
generosity in such a public and appropriate manner. So once again, thank you
Bev, you organised a really great day and occasion.
The Blue Bay needs more painting and it will come out of the water over the
next few days. I will put out a request for people to help lift the boat off
the trailer and place it in the garage workshop upside down so the hull can be
painted before turning and doing the interior. The sooner we start this, the
sooner we will finish and have 2 boats. Following finishing the work on Blue
Bay, there will be the making of one or two sets of oars on a completely
different design from those that we use currently which will hopefully be
stronger, stiffer and lighter. The other job will be some ongoing maintenance
of the Sand Bay Century's paintwork, both internally and externally. The stem
post (at the front) was bashed some months ago and also needs a little bit of
resin applied.
Regatta season is upon us and I would encourage everybody who wishes to become
involved, to sign up to the various doodle polls or contact the regatta
organising team ( Julie and Bev). Anyone who wishes to attend the racing
regattas needs to have been to race training, not specifically to develop great
fitness but just to become familiar with the technical aspects of race rowing,
namely starting and racing turns. Racing fitness wouldn't go amiss either but
the technical stuff is the most important thing so we don't break equipment or
fall off our benches. This is covered in the strenuous rowing sessions. If any
members have not booked up to attend regattas but then find they can attend
nearer the actual date ,please contact the regatta organisers as it's important
to us as a club that as many people are able to become involved as possible in
these great social and competitive events. Have a great June.
Clayton
