When cox Finlay suggested a “Midsummer Night’s Row”, he was apprehensive that the club would think he was mad, and no-one would sign up. Nervously checking the spreadsheet an hour later, he was both surprised and delighted to see that the sign-up sheet was full!
Throughout May and June, time and again rows were cancelled due to high winds, and so the crew of Finlay, Gavin, Maria, Rosie, Karen and Liane followed the forecast avidly – would this planned row even happen? But as the date approached, the weather gods were smiling upon us. The tempest abated and our Midsummer Night’s Row was on!
3:30 am – Irene with her Lights and Radar Reflector!
Basking in the Light of the Summer Solstice Sunrise!
Early to bed for everyone on Saturday night, with kit laid out and numerous alarms set. No-one was going to be late for our 3:30 am rendezvous at the gate! Already it was surprisingly light and we quickly readied and launched Irene for her midsummer outing. As we left the eerily quiet harbour, the true beauty of the night hit us all – the usually choppy Forth was as calm as a millpond; the air was warm; not a noise could be heard but the gentle splash of our oars, and a seal popped its head up to send us off on our way. We rowed east, towards the sunrise, past our namesake Black Rocks, soaking up the stillness and tranquility, shared only with the puffins which were out in force at that early hour of the day. Just before sunrise Finlay gave the “easy oars” instruction and we sat quietly watching the sky changing colour above Kinghorn headland – ever-changing yellows, oranges and reds. Finally the sun itself rose above the headland, flooding the sea with sparkling light. A truly sensational sunrise and a special moment for us all. Then came the coffees, muffins and flapjacks: an equally special moment for the rowers!
Photo courtesy of The Water of Fife
Everyone was keen to stay out on the water so we rowed on past Kinghorn, detouring slightly to have a wee nosey round the harbour, enjoying the calmest waters we had ever experienced, while watching the village quietly wake up to the day as we passed. Realising the day had officially begun for the rest of the world, we turned and headed for home, glowing with happiness at how lucky we had all been.
A truly wonderful 11 km row. Special thanks to Finlay for all his hard work and dedication keeping us safe on our outing, and to Rosie for ensuring we got some spectacular photos from the shore, taken by The Water of Fife, as well as the whole crew for their onboard photos, good banter and fabulous company.
Photo courtesy of The Water of Fife
Report by Karen Young
Additional photographs courtesy of The Water of Fife
