We had something of Boy’s Own outing for the WivGigs Sunday Social. Four male rowers and a male cox. This is most unusual. I prefer mixed rowing. Having five blokes in a boat can often lead to disaster.
It was all very lively down at the Sailing Club, hard around midday. An exceptionally high Bank Holiday weekend tide meant there was plenty of aquatic action out on the water.
Some dinghy racing was in full flow. The Time Keeper’s hut bleated out the incredibly LOUD horn each time some form of watercraft passed the finishing line. This always makes me want to shout out RAVE!!!! and put my hands in the air.
This was a maiden voyage for Audacity, our returning gig boat. She has been out at some repair yard for the past month or so, undertaking some pretty heavy duty patch ups as well as being tarted up with paint.
The aroma coming from the new coating was still fresh and rather lush. It was actually quite exciting rowing in a boat that was now looking and feeling as good as new.
The Boy’s Own crew headed out downstream along the estuary. We had plenty of water to enjoy, with time and tide on our side.
Past Alresford Creek and the waters became slightly choppy. A couple of crew from one of the racing dinghies were now neck deep in water, having capsized, and were being picked up by the safety boat.
The Brightlingsea Ferry passed us in the opposite direction on a riverside cruise from one town to the other. The passengers on board were most friendly and seemed pleased to see us.
We turned around at what I think was Buoy 22 and then made our way back with the tide still incoming down to the Sailing Club. Some bank holiday campers had pitched up on White House Beach.
The return journey involved a little bit of stop-start action. Some of the Sailing Club racers had decided to tack left to right in front of our path. Thankfully the Boy’s Own crew remained sensible and decided not to take them on.
Back at base and Audacity was given a decent scrub. Whoever said that males can’t carry out a half-decent cleaning routine?
A decent row.
