by Kelly
A group of us recently visited the Isle Of Wight (IOW) for Bembridge Gig Fest organised by Yarmouth Gig Rowing Club. Oli, Jane, Kelly, Christina, Heather and Cat from ARC all went, along with Rebecca from Lewes and Mark and Sally from Newhaven Gig Clubs.
Here's how it went....
We had originally hoped to row across from Eastney but as per usual, ARC luck we were scuppered by the wind.
So instead we had a lovely crossing over from Portsmouth to the IOW on the ferry and headed to Nodes Point to find our accommodation. Jane and Oli had found some great Safari Tents for a spot of glamping and we set up the BBQ and got cooking. We all went for a wander after dinner to check out the bay we'd be racing in.
Early to bed and unfortunately due to some noisy neighbours, very early to rise Sat morning!
We headed round to the Marina to find Grace and get her ready for launching and attend the all important coxes briefing. Mark, Sally and Cat joined us there as they had travelled over early Saturday morning. the race format was a row out to the start for a 2km straight line race back.
Racing began around lunchtime and the mixed crew were out first. We smashed our first heat and went on the final. Rowing our heat and final back to back meant we weren't quite as fresh as the opposing crew and they just pipped us. It was incredibly close though so a fantastic result. 2nd place!
Back to the beach for a quick crew swap and straight back out for the Women's race.
They took pity on us for our back to back races so far and gave us a cheeky tow out to the start, which gave us time for a quick snack as we'd literally rowed through lunch!
The Ladies crew smashed their race and it was really lovely when other crews asked us afterwards how we started so fast! After all our time as the newbies locally it was lovely to see other new clubs being inspired by us!
We were also very lucky to enjoy a nearby display of the Red Arrows just as we finished our race too!
The evening entertainment was fun with a live band and we enjoyed Pizza or BBQ while enjoying the local Brews and I can tell you the IOW Mermaid Spiced Rum is delicious. Having some entertainment and everyone dancing and enjoying themselves really made for a great atmosphere. Back to the glamping for a cuppa and a bit of Oli's Toblerone and we stayed up a little later than the previous night but we knew day 2 was a bit more relaxed.
So Day 2 was a timed race around a fort out in the bay - again approx 2km. The Mixed crew went first and did a great job - I think 3rd fastest crew. When they got back to beach they said it was pretty tough due to the fairly strong breeze in the bay and it was quite choppy.
Changeover of crew and we were off again for the women's crew. Another very successful race and we came out on top again for day 2!! Well done to everyone who rowed that one twice!
It was only right that after recovering Grace and tucking her up tight on her trailer ready for the journey back, we took a little trip to the Mermaid Distillery to sample all the gins and rums on offer. Only tiny sips for me and Oli as we were driving but it was really lovely and I think a few of us have found our new favourite tipples.
We had a fantastic weekend and as it's such a small and friendly event it would be a really lovely one for less frequent race rowers to go and have a bit of fun.
Well done Jane and Oli for organising you did a fab job!
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