16 rowers, 3 coxes, 4 boats, 2 trailer drivers and some supporters made the three hour trip (well longer for the trailer!) down to Totnes last weekend. The race is from Totnes to Dartmouth, 15km downstream on the tidal estuary.
Amazingly after a miserable forecast we were blessed with perfect rowing conditions and a high tide avoiding the need to carry the boats down a set of steep steps to the river at Totnes.
It’s a timed race with the slowest out first. 3 out of our 4 crews qualify as slowest in the Charles Stanley touring boats, alongside gigs of various sizes, a four man kayak, singles, and some very slinky coastal rowing boats. The coxes navigated tight bends, tributaries (avoiding going up them!), moorings, sailing flotillas, the opposition, the RNLI and finally the Dartmouth ferry, with a scramble to de-boat where the ferry pulls in whilst its on the other side of the river! It was all very exciting.
Fun was had in the local pubs the night before and after, with a bit of a visit for most to enjoy the beautiful towns and landscape. A really lovely weekend. Look out for the date next year.
