Notes
Another disappointing entry
this year again, the only club from outwith Aberdeen who came to
sample our famed macaroni pies (as well as our splendid regatta) was
Inverness Rowing Club.
They had sent two entrants in 2012 and we
were delighted that this years entry had doubled to four competitors
perhaps an eight next year?
Thanks to Dave, John and the two Hazels for
their custom.
Despite the limited outside entry, many
events were well-contested examples included three entries in Womens
R1 8s (all provided by ABC), five in Mixed R2 Eights, and eight crews in
Womens Novice 4+.
Weather conditions were
better than forecast with only a few showers on Saturday and dry
conditions on Sunday.
Less-than-ideal tides meant rowing at some
low stages of tide and this, combined with a brisk tailwind, made for
choppy conditions under the QE2 Bridge at times.
The wind made for cold
working conditions for the limited number of umpires who attended
Sadly, Neil MacFarlane (due to have been our senior umpire) injured
himself the week before the event and his place was taken by Peter
Morrison.
Other umpires on duty were Gary Bain, Terry
McNeill, Adam Downie, Bryan Steel, Emma Fisher, Fiona Murray, Ian Duncan
and Carol Wallace.
Racing started on time on
both days and finished slightly ahead of published times.
We again presented pint pewter tankards to
all winners of Novice events and bespoke medals to other winners.
Sadly, there was one disqualification on Saturday.
One of the ABC crews in Womens Novice Fours required a substitution and this was
provided by a rower from ASRA. Unfortunately this is against
Scottish Rowing rules. This problem was not noticed until after
completion of the event (with the affected crew having been declared as 'winners')
and the award had to go to the losing finalists instead.
HISTORICAL NOTE
On a happier note, regatta secretary, Niall Young, pointed out that 2013
marks the 50th anniversary since female members of AUBC competed at the
North East Regatta. The Womens section of AUBC was only formed in
1962 and the 1963 NER marked their first competition in Aberdeen.
A glance at the programme for the 2013 event shows that females now seem
to outnumber males in our sport.
RMW 12/5/13
