Wednesday morning’s rowing session saw a good turnout,both boats launched for a series of outings in the bay.
Taking advantage of this fine spell of weather and very calm seas another trip out to the iconic landmark that is Lady Isle. A crew of five taking a leisurely row out and back in about two hours.
Once home to a chapel dedicated to Saint Mary in the sixteenth century though sadly no remains exist today. populated today numerous birds, seals and apparently rabbits, the island also has a fresh water spring or well ,remarkable given its location some three miles from shore.
Three coastal rowing skiffs from Troon , Carrick and Prestwick are readied in the beautiful surroundings of Loch Ken from Galloway Activity Centre.
The players assemble for a group shot in readiness of a day’s rowing in company but only after sampling the wares of the centre cafe, bacon rolls coffee and carrot cake deftly consumed the day begins.
The crews of the day being a mix up of club members pause in readiness for skiff tug of war,three rounds of mayhem on the water the results of which will be debated for years to come or until bedtime, Watch this space for you tube video link to follow soon.
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Halfway stage of first long rowing session another group shot before returning to the centre cafe for supplies.Â
This event the brainchild of Henry Anderson from Carrick is at the end of the day deemed to be too good not to repeat,plans are already afoot for a spring and autumn south west regatta event possibly over two days, taking advantage of the Galloway Activity Centre’s facilities,from cabins wigwams and yurts and simple camping pitches.Â
Many thanks to the Galloway midges who very kindly waited until all three skiffs were safely back on road trailers to come and wave us goodbye,
Wonderful sight on this mornings club rowing session,3 maybe 4 large basking sharks feeding just offshore from Troon harbour. Having spotted the dorsal fins and the bubbling waters created by large shoals of fry trying to escape becoming lunch,we managed to delicately row over to within five metres of one of these magnificent creatures. Camera phone sadly does not do them justice.
Despite very blustery winds ,Marr Voyager was launched this morning. With a heavy swell and breaking waves on the open sea ,several trips were made in the relative sanctuary of the inner harbour
The crews including first time rower Steve from Minnesota on a visit to family in Troon,were treated to a great display of Eider ducks taking off as well as the usual curious seals .
Wind forecast indicates dropping force through today ,so should be fine for Wednesday evening session
Weekend should see only light winds and a good possibility of some brighter skies ,so making for some good rowing conditions for members and anyone thinking of giving it a try.
The fine weather looks like staying with us for a few days more,so remains a great opportunity to get both our skiffs busy.
A fine Tuesday evening saw a crew of six,with rolling cox changes,join the increasing Lady Isle club.
Setting off on longer rows requires light winds and calm seas,so best grab the chances when we can.
This followed by a Wednesday morning outing,report reads “Crew of six rowed out and round Lady Isle in perfect conditions. On return fog banks came in. Round trip including stops took approx. 2 hours.”
Weather forecast for this weekend is looking good ,rowing conditions should be very favourable.
Hopefully this should see a good turnout for the social rowing sessions and a welcome return from some deterred by some of the less kind conditions recently ,also looking ideal for anyone who has been thinking about coming along to try out this rowing thing.
Admiring our beautiful local coast line from a St Ayles skiff is always a wonder even for the more regular rowers,don’t forget you’re sunblock.
Club rowing session this morning,Sea King helicopter makes an obvious detour, three minutes later call on VHF from harbour master, “Troon Rowing the current wind is at 25 knots”, cox replies “understood we have already turned back to base”, I might have asked “and you’re point is?”
Earlier the crew performed the little practised exercise of Cap Rescue, Stephen’s cap blows away, the cox promptly brings Ailsa Lass about 360 degrees,with a little,bow side, stroke side, the cap finds itself safely aboard and ready for the wash.
Comforting to know as a small craft at sea ,you are not alone