23 Aug Brixham Regatta August 2022
In typical Clifton fashion we were low on numbers with only 80% of a girl’s crew attending and sadly the boys only there in a supportive capacity. The cunning plan was to pressgang someone on the beach. Step forward Suzy and Tracee from Appledore who did us proud.
The meet was set up for 8.30 and at 8.29 things were looking typically Clifton sketchy without a ‘Moby’ in sight. However, a blue Volvo with distinctive number plate, tell tale scratched body panel and passenger sporting a look of nervous exhaustion following her first journey shot-gunning the towing of Avona.
Just like seeing Steve stood at the bar everyone else then miraculously appeared, the boat was unpackaged, removed from the trailer and deposited into the sea with minimal faff. Taking her first gulp of sea water for a while Avona lapped it up and the mile row around the breakwater ended up with her crew up to their ankles in the salty stuff.
Hauled onto the beach and rigorously inspected with a few Gallic shrugs thrown in for good measure the Gaffa tape and Silicon sealant was sent for. Unpleasant scenes followed! The Gaffa tape was late arriving and the sealant was set firm in the tube. With no time for further disagreement, the ladies B race was upon us and Avona was dispatched. Debs, Julie, Ingrid, Becks, Tracee and Suzanne. Our other Appledore recruit commented how light the boat was and she was right. Off to a flyer from the line and taking a clear early lead Avona shot out of the traps.
She remained in contention to the first marker, despite being squeezed out, she rounded well and maintained a competitive position. By half way round it was clear her issues were beginning to hold her back and her pace slowed through the second part of the race. Despite this, finishing a credible 4th despite the 200kgs of water in her scuppers. Well done girls!
Back on the beach there was mooted celebration amid cake eating and cups of tea. Boat hauled out, baled out, sealant applied and left to soak in the gentle surf we hoped she might swell slightly as use of Gaffa tape was categorically banned. The second race was a few hours away which allowed Julie’s dry shoes to dry out after being deposited into the bottom of the boat by a teammate no less. A bit of relaxing time. Stretched out on the beach Debs was soaking up the rays when she was asked if she was entering the Masters race… The look was priceless, so was the guffawing of anyone in earshot.
Our final race of the day was Ladies Supervets. This time our crew was joined by Suzy. A force of nature in her early 70’s and damm good rower to boot. Again, with an empty boat Avona flew off the line like a scolded cat or Jerry at the mention of membership fees. This time the bar was open and the shoreside cheering was vocal. Bridport lifted our rudder off on the first mark and nibbled at us for the rest of the course gaining an advantage on the home straight as Avona piled on the pounds and nipped us on the line. As she wallowed back to the beach, we witnessed the fastest move of the day. Our commander in chief and cox was down the boat in a shimmie or two, rounded off with a hop, skip and little jump over the bow and off to lodge a formal protest after ruddergate. Everyone else sloshed around until the decision was made to take Avona to the marina and tie her to Rob’s boat to allow a bit more soaking/sinking time.
With the sun shining, refreshments and a swim were on the cards. Carefree times indeed on the English Riveria. That is until someone casually suggested the inconvenience of rescuing our wallowing rowing boat and snuggling her into her trailer. By this stage those of us not driving home had moved past a couple of quiet beers and were ploughing headfirst towards the noisy ones. Even the harbour seal came to have a close look at the commotion of Avona being loaded onto her trailer. Others stood wisely at a distance offering the occasional sage advice to those less in the know. Then as serenely as she arrived Avona slid out of the car park and headed back to Bristol. The few malingerers left made a token effort at intellectual conversation before heading off to the Manor with the most dedicated of rowers in attendance enjoying some vocal exercise washed down with a lovely pint or six of Tribute.
Roving Reporter: Mark Leese
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