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Both our skiffs have completed their annual refurbishment carried out by members at The Scottish Boat Building school in Irvine. A big thanks to all those that helped out. We also fitted shelves in our storage container where all oars are now stored. Hours of sanding,painting and varnishing brought both skiffs back to new look condition after a hard seasons rowing.
The ever popular Troon event drew its biggest number of visiting skiffs including our  usual west coast neighbours ,some new guests from the east and from across the sea new club Arran attending their first regatta.
With a mixture of established and experienced clubs pitching in with each other to assist clubs with lesser numbers make up crew shortages so that most skiffs got to experience as much racing as possible, the rowing was played out under a sunny sky with a good sea surface. First to go was the senior race over 65 teams followed by the juniors aged under 18, the open section and after a break for lunch the +47 races this being amended from +50 to allow greater scope for clubs to enter. All races saw some great tussles and determination of mind and body to battle for the coveted medals and overall winning shield . Close of play was a sprint one way back to shore using up most remaining breath and energy with a last chance to add blisters to anyone who did not have enough.
Visitors appreciated the organisation of TCRC  staging of the day not least the amount of fresh baked assorted cakes and sandwiches that members had lovingly prepared.
The overall winners of the day were an excellent Broughty Ferry team .
There were many notable performance by the runner up clubs with the expected high standards of the established clubs  and some surprisingly good stuff from some of the newbie teams.
For more photos recommend visiting Arran Coastal Rowing on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/Arran-Coastal-Rowing-599468700153153/?fref=ts
Great selection of photos exceeding my humble efforts.
Despite moving through January from one storm to the next the club has had reasonable success with 50% of club sessions able to go ahead often seeing both skiffs deployed and a good turnout of members taking part, in some cases a few good distance trips took place.
 As ever a welcome awaits anyone who thinks they may like to try,or wants a look at what we are about ,already the programme for away events is looking very exciting a good time to give us a try,full training and safety equipment is available, you could be racing at our own Regatta or even taking part in the Skiifie Worlds. The wildlife encountered not far from our shores rarely disappoints from inquisitive harbour and common seals poking their heads up around us for a look see to cormorants herons and the spectacular sights of watching hundreds of Eider ducks flapping and running across the water as they take to flight.
Nearer to home, sessions are weather assessed on the day ,we do get enough calm days for more adventurous and longer distance outings such as Lappock Rock ,Lady Isle other destinations suggested will be considered.
On a recent outing around to the North Shore on very low tide we discovered that the pipe running out  could possibly serve as a makeshift pontoon.
