Author: coxswain

Two of us from Seil attended the SCRA weekend regatta seminar at Loch Insh in the Cairngorms, together with over 40 skiffies from across Scotland. It was most worthwhile, full of detailed hints and information.

This morning, we ran our own mini regatta, using the Portsoy and Ardersier skiffs, with a stunning backdrop of snowy mountains in the sun. Ewan stroked the winning composite crew (with an Islay bowman) and won himself a medal!

An excellent weekend of skiffie chat and camaradie, thanks! ‘Beautiful but Baltic’

Above photographs courtesy of Ardersier Boat Club and Eskmuthe Rowing Club

Photograph by Ian Bright (Portsoy)

See: http://scottishboating.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/cold-water-sprinting.html

Selkie is very nearly ready to move out of the shed onto the hard. The last few wee jobs are proving very time consuming and frustrating! The paint needs to cure some more but luckily the weather isn’t too enticing for rowing just now.

Most importantly of all, would anyone be able to turn a couple of thole pins for us? We have rigged her so that she can be rowed in either configuration (stroke on stroke side or stroke on bow side, confusingly!) and are a couple of pins short.

Also, the road trailer needs some modifications (see Ewan’s list of jobs). Would anyone be able to take that on? It needs to be done by mid March.

This weekend, Saturday AND Sunday at 1000. Final push to get the maintenance and mods finished, so that we can clear out of the shed.

The skiff will rest outside for a wee bit (with the cover on!) before we row her back, as the paint needs a chance to cure properly before we abuse her all over again.

Thanks for all the help over the past couple of weeks.

The Isle of Mull rowing club are to launch their skiff on 15 March at Tobermory, and have invited Selkie to attend. They are hoping to have a cruise round the harbour in company on the 16th.

[Around seven folk from the club came over to have a trial row in Selkie in the autumn, and talked oars etc in the T&T afterwards … a very congenial crew]

Anyone fancy a weekend in Mull?

A draft programme is posted below:

2014 Regatta and Events Seminar
Loch Insch 15/16 February 2014

Itinerary Saturday 15 Feb

12 Noon-1230 : Arrival, Greeting, Light lunch

1230- 1330 Race courses/ Race Types

1330- 1400 Categories (and Prizes!)

1400-1415 Tea/ Coffee

1415-1500 Entries: Limits, Invitation, Deadlines, Admin, Notice of Race, Risk Assessment

1445-1545 On the day 1: Coxes Briefing, Access/ Egress, Rules of Racing, Running to Time

1545-1600 On the day 2: Catering, Entertainment, First Aid

1600-1630 After the Event: Photos, Media, Results, Reports, Wash up, Planning for next event.

1630-1645 Tea/ Coffee

1645-1715 Final Planning for Mini-Regatta, Recap of Seminar

1715-1800 Workshop for those planning your own events (optional)

1900 Dinner

Itinerary Sunday 16 February 2014

0930 Coxes Briefing

10-1100 Racing

1100-1130 Single buoy Turn Umpire Practice

1200-1230 Lessons Learned, Regatta Washup, Prizegiving

Course Materials

Delegate List

Rules of Racing 2013

Completed Risk Assessment

Blank Risk Assessment

Example Notice of Race

Chartlets of Regatta Venues (for discussion as to which type of race course might suit the area)

John MacFarlane has kindly made his boatshed at Balvicar available for a couple of weeks – many thanks!

A crew will row Selkie round this Wednesday at noon, weather permitting. Extra hands at the Balvicar end would be appreciated as well. The skiff will be dried out, and work will start as soon as possible. There are some small woodworking jobs and painting needed. All volunteers are welcome. Watch this space for times.