Row, row, row your boat
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A VILLAGE club took part in a national sports event on the River Thames, London.
A crew of six from Findhorn Coastal Rowing Club (FCRC) challenged the Great River Race - London’s River Marathon - along with 300 other teams including from Findochty and Cromarty on traditional coxed craft, powered by a minimum of four oars or paddles.
Findhorn's crew were Alison McKay, Gwen Williams, Kay Anderson, Maclean Macleod, Mark Lean and Ruth Boardman.
Ruth said: "The Great River race is a fabulous event, brilliantly organised and enthusiastically attended by a diverse range of boats and rowers resulting in a great day with a wonderful atmosphere."
The competition covers a 21-mile course on the tidal Thames between Ham, London and Greenwich. Boats must have a passenger and are handicapped by class to provide an overall competition as well as competitions by class. As handicapping is on a slowest-away first basis, this makes for a lively race.
The race attracts serious racers as well as leisure rowers, making it a water-based equivalent of the London Marathon, watched from the bridges and river banks. All crews are equipped with a GPS tracking system which allows organisers and members of the public to track the progress on the Great River Race website.
A staggered start means the slowest get away first with each boat having an individual start time. FCRC's boat Joppa left at 11.59 thanks to the skill and nerve of first cox, Kay.
Ruth said: "Waiting to start was an exciting and pressured time as we had to ensure we were in the correct holding zone, while resisting the pull of the tide which was trying hard to send us on our way.
"We rowed past many iconic landmarks and under 26 bridges. Cheers and applause constantly boosted flagging energy along with a brass band on a river boat.
"We crossed the finish line 3 hours, 7 minutes and 14 seconds after we started to encouragement from family and friends."
She added: "The after party was a vibrant celebration with food, a few beverages and live music. There was a surprising amount of energy left for dancing and revelry!"
Findhorn Coastal Rowing Club welcomes new members. See www.findhorncoastalrowing.co.uk for details.
