Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club regatta set to return

Clubs from across Scotland’s west coast will be taking part in the major event, which begins at 11am this Saturday.

Committee members from the Royal West are expecting around half a dozen clubs to take part in the races, with representatives from Prestwick, Troon, Rhu and Arran among those attending.

The racers will compete in St Ayles' skiffs, the standard vessel for coastal rowing which is crewed by four rowers and one cox.

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Royal West's rowing convenor, Karyn Donnachie, told the Tele the club couldn’t wait to host the event.

She said: “It’ll be a day of races and a chance for us to enjoy some friendly competition with nearby clubs.

“The races are along the Esplanade from North Street, once everyone gets out there, they’re lined up by an umpire and then there’s a starting gun.

“It’s a 500-metre sprint back to the clubhouse.

“It’ll be great viewing for members of the public and people walking along the Esplanade.”

As well as traditional sprints, the club will also run an ‘Andy’ race, which will see the participants race using each other’s boats and work with crew members from other clubs.

Karen added: “Coastal rowing was formed on the basis of pulling communities together and it’s a chance for clubs to travel and meet up with each other.

“It’s competitive but in a friendly way.

“We’ve very fortunate at Royal West to have our clubhouse, you go to some other places, and they have to rely on public conveniences to host these events.

“Holding the regatta is great because we’re a water sports club, not just a rowing club, and it means that we can bring together everyone from some of the other sports at the club for the event.”