Top crews to make big splash at Inverness regatta
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A RECORD entry – including some of Scotland’s finest crews – will descend on the renowned rowing waters of the Caledonian Canal this weekend.
Inverness Rowing Club’s annual regatta, now in its 30th year, has attracted 572 male and female crews from clubs, schools and universities across the country.
Organisers expect a phenomenal level of competition across age categories from 14 to super veteran status in races at the annual Inverness Fours/Quads and Small Boats Head on Saturday and Sunday.
Club honorary president Roy Sinclair is thrilled to see the club’s big day going from strength to strength.
He said: “It is the biggest number of crews we’ve we’ve ever had, up 10 per cent on last year. We’re absolutely delighted.
“It is testament to how accessible the sport of rowing is to all ages, with competition in fours, pairs, quads, double sculls and a terrific number of single sculls this year.”
Often described as Scotland best rowing waters, the local canal is also popular with novice rowers. At the sharp end, though, organisers expect some tense, high-quality contests.
Mr Sinclair, himself competing at the age of 76, stressed: “We will have many of the top competitors in Scotland out there with virtually every club and university in Scotland represented.
“Edinburgh University are bringing a big squad, while the likes of George Watson’s College, George Heriot’s School and and a good number from Glasgow will have some very good crews
“It is also a very appealing event for novice oarsmen and women who have only started rowing since going to university in the last few months. It is such a good, safe stretch of water for novice boats for their first racing experience.”
Racing over the 4500-metre course from Dochgarroch to the finish line at the rowing club’s boathouse starts at 11.15am on Saturday.
