PICTURES: Sun shines on Nairn regatta weekend
The weather was kind to rowers in Nairn as the home club hosted its second-ever regatta on Saturday.
Despite some challenges due to strong winds in the days leading up to the competition, Nairn Coastal Rowing Club welcomed the nine clubs competing on the day – placing second overall at the end of the competition.
Golspie were overall winners of the Strathnair Cup, finishing eight points ahead of the home club.
Nairn Coastal Rowing Club chairman Andy Walker said: “After the winds on Wednesday night had blown all of the course marker buoys out of their positions it took a great, collective, club operation to have them recovered and resited over the next two days.
“This was done successfully and the members were rewarded when they woke up to brilliant sunshine and little wind on Saturday morning.
“All the planning fell into place and the regatta began on time.”
Nairn got off to a flying start when the ladies won gold in the first race – the 240+ Women.
This was followed with a bronze in the open mixed competition.
However Golspie' had sent down a strong club contingent and it won gold in the next four races.
All clubs performed well, with the total medal hail spread across the competing crews.
This was the first regatta of the season, being a bit earlier than normal, and following a few wild winter months when the weather had not been rowing-friendly.
The Nairn club was delighted with how the day unfolded and are now looking forward to a busy rowing season ahead.
Regatta planning committee chairwoman Dot Mechan said: “The day went really well. It provided a great spectacle and attracted a lot of interest from visitors to the area, as well as local people.
“We had some great support which is always appreciated, and gives the rowers some extra encouragement.
“We also had terrific support from the Nairn Sailing Club, both on the water and by giving us access to their club premises.
“I also think it is a great advert for the town itself, particularly on such a great day, when Nairn is really looking its best and showing all it has to offer.”
The club is always looking for new members – everyone is welcome but particularly male members from their 20s upwards, to give the club more balance.
