Crews Master Challenging Seas At Esky Regatta
Eskmuthe Rowing Club delivered a memorable day of coastal racing at its annual regatta - testing every crew with challenging surf and gusting westerly winds across the course.
The 800m course off the Back Sands at Fisherrow had a buoy turn at the halfway mark, which demanded power from the rowers and excellent boat handling by the coxes.
Despite the testing environment, racing was competitive, with crews from across the region putting in strong performances.
Eastern Amateur Rowing Club, based in Portobello, won the Novice Mixed, Open Men, U40 Mixed and 50+ Mixed categories. North Berwick matched that tally with wins in the 240+ Mixed, 40+ Mixed, 60+ Women and the Open Mixed event. Eskmuthe secured a well-earned win in the Open Women’s race on home water.
Two races, including the Youth event and the relay, were ultimately cancelled due to the highly challenging conditions throughout the day.
A highlight of the day was the Open Mixed Run & Row, where each club fielded a runner who completed a 1km dash along the promenade before joining their crew on the shoreline. Teammates then pushed the boat into the surf for a rapid launch, transitioning straight into the rowing leg of the 800m course. The combination of sprinting, timing the launch and immediately hitting race pace made for a dramatic contest, ultimately won by North Berwick.
Boatie Blest (based in Port Seton) performed consistently throughout the day, picking up two silver and four bronze medals, while Newhaven and Row Porty took a bronze each.
Spectators from the local area watched from the sea wall and the beach throughout the day, and the club provided soup, savoury and sweet snacks, and drinks - supported by a donation of freshly-baked sourdough bread from Company Bakery. Tea, coffee and alcohol-free beer was also on offer, supported by regular club supporter, Stewart Brewing.
There was also a tombola, raffle and after the racing, the boatshed bar opened so crews could relax and talk about the day’s events.
Eskmuthe Regatta Officer, David Lee, said: “After the last two regattas hosted by the club fell foul of the weather, it was great to see an almost full card of racing. This was a proper coastal rowing day - challenging, unpredictable and hugely rewarding. We’re incredibly grateful to all the crews who raced in such good spirits."
Simon Francis, club chair said: “Beyond the racing, the event was a testament to the effort of club members and volunteers, who ensured the regatta ran smoothly despite the weather. Thank you to all our members, the other clubs - and a massive thank you to all our sponsors for helping to make it such a memorable day.
"A massive thank you to Musselburgh Sea Cadets for the last-minute use of their safety boat, which was a real godsend."
Sponsors for the day were:
Programme sponsor: Red McGregor
PA system sponsor: PA Cooperative
Race sponsors:
Fluid Environmental Consulting; Fairnie’s Fresh Prawns; Almond Park Nursery; Ian Duffy Roofing; Knight Chiropractic; RP Slight & Sons; Oils in Bloom; Sylvia at McDougall McQueen; Rock n Rose Hairdressing; Bombay Bar & Grill Restaurant; and Red Wolf Electrical
