Back when Irene was launched in May, Chris told us about Castle to Crane, a 22km race from Dumbarton Castle up the Clyde to the Finneston Crane. As a novice rower, I immediately replied ‘I’m up for it, that sounds fun!’ But what had we let ourselves in for? Only Scotland’s biggest open water rowing race it would seem! Of course, the plan was to have plenty of training sessions between then and September 7th, so that the team of Chris, Elisa, Erika, Douglas and Karen could build up endurance, consistency and improve technique. However, these sessions were arranged, rearranged, re-rearranged and cancelled routinely as the unforgiving westerly wind of summer barely let up to allow us out of the harbour entrance, never mind row for a few hours. So suddenly the weekend was upon us! On the Friday afternoon, Chris, Douglas and Karen delivered Irene to the race start at Sandpoint Marina, where we have to say, she was undoubtedly the prettiest, most pristine looking boat on the shore. (Yes, perhaps we were a little biased). The weather was glorious, and the pre-race atmosphere and bustle of organisation generated lots of excitement and anticipation amongst the teams. Then we were off to Glasgow to join the rest of the crew, right beside the finishing line, for a hearty evening meal and serious team bonding! The decision to meet up on the Friday night was undoubtedly the right one; as worries, nerves and panics were laid to rest, and replaced by strategies and plans to give us the best chance of success. After all, planning how to access your jelly babies and flapjacks without interrupting the rowing rhythm is pretty crucial! Saturday morning dawned and we gathered early, next to the Kinghorn team. It was good to see so many familiar faces and to realise other people were also a little apprehensive about the morning ahead. Then onto the buses waiting outside the Transport Museum, and we were off to the start at Sandpoint Marina. We were boat number 31, so we had plenty time to admire all the boats before we started, as the race is a time trial with boats crossing the start line approximately 30s apart. There was a vast range to see, perhaps the most spectacular being the boat from the Basque region of Spain, crewed by 12 rowers all in matelot jerseys and a cox, who stood and sounded a magnificent bugle as they left for the start line. Getting all these boats into the water was no simple task, but there was a great team of volunteers and the rowing community is a very helpful one with teams all working together to carry the boats to the slipway and into the water. But then it was our turn! Irene gently entered the water and we climbed in – Chris at cox, Elisa at stroke, Erika 3, Douglas 2 and Karen in the bow. Seat pads were adjusted, stretchers positioned, snacks and drinks opened…
