Fun and frolics for all at annual Reawick spree
SAILING-WISE regattas may be different to what they used to be, but for fun and frolics not many can compete with Reawick and District Boating Club’s annual spree held at Skeld.
Thursday night’s eela was well attended with 12 boats heading out to sea. Even though fish were quite scarce, the amount of competitors made the total catch plenty for a tasty fry up in Da Sail Laft later on. Ruth Georgeson had a double win, first for the women with her 15½ lb catch and also for the most species caught – she had five different fish which included mackerel, whiting, sillock, grunner and a cod. Billy Nicolson landed a 25½lb basket, taking first for the men.
Friday night’s points rowing races proved to be very busy with 50 different teams competing. In quite good weather conditions for rowing with a south-east wind, five boats set off for the first race for under-16 girls. Yell came in first with a time of 6.36 with Lerwick second in 6.43 and Nesting taking third place in 7.06.
Only three teams set off for the under-16 boys, Vidlin 6.10, Lerwick 6.21 and again Nesting third in 7.24.
The under-21 women set off next, again this time Yell came in first with a time of 6.45, Nesting second on 6.55 and Nort with 6.59. In the under-21 men’s race Nesting took first in 6.12, Lerwick second with 6.26 and home team Reawick took third place in 6.43.
The veteran women’s race was next. Burra came first in 6.44, Nesting second in 6.49 and Eid third in 6.59. The veteran men’s race was very close indeed with Lerwick taking first in 6.09, Burra second in 6.09 and Eid third in 6.10.
The biggest line up of the night was seen in the open women’s race with 10 boats competing. Lerwick took first place in 6.12, Burra second in 6.29 and Yell close behind in 6.31.
Seven teams took part for the last race of the evening – the open men’s, which proved do be a very fast race. Yell made it first in 5.53, Burra second in 5.54 and Lerwick third in 5.54.
Six yachts set off next morning to compete for the Malakoff & Wm Moore Cup and looking
from the top of the hill what a lovely sight as they set off from the marina which was lined with colourful bunting, caravans and tents galore, Reawick and District Boating Club’s flag flying high along with the Shetland and Mexican flags. A light easterly wind proved difficult sailing for some at the east side of Reawick, as their boats were becalmed; some had to start their engines to head back into the race. Competition was tight here but winner of this race was Shian, skippered by John David Henry in 2hrs 4 seconds, Simmer Dim (Morgan Goodlad) was second in 2hrs 1min 12 seconds followed by Rebellion (Peter Robertson) in 2hrs 2mins 38secs. As this race was finishing the onshore party was just beginning. The sailors came ashore and enjoyed a Mexican style sailor’s lunch. This year’s theme day was Mexican/South American. The beer tent was decorated with colorful parrots, cactus, sombreros, palm trees and bananas. Ponchos were very popular – if you were lucky you may even have got one made for you while you waited!
The weather had also been booked for the weekend and so it showed as people wandered round enjoying the sunshine sipping cocktails from “La Taberna” listening to the lively musicians afternoon session. Also on offer were Ruby’s teas, Café Consulate coffees, Shetland Fudge ice creams and the delicious food from Ian’s local barbecue.
When the bairns thought they had had their fill of ice creams, candy floss, chocolate marshmallows and all the sideshow fun and games there was the ever so popular land sports cup to compete for. Every effort was put into the races with all the younger bairns doing really well. A good crowd gathered to spectate. But some of the “bigger bairns” got itchy feet and wanted to compete so a new age group was formed – under-21s, which turned out to be really entertaining, with races such as wheelbarrow, three-legged and piggy back. The winner of the land sport cup went to Edward Nicolson from Twatt.
As everyone really enjoyed the party atmosphere on shore, seven boats set sail in the afternoon to contest the Speedwell cup. Weather conditions were much the same as the morning, again with calm pockets of wind here and there. First home was Simmer Dim in 1hr 57mins 17 secs, second was Shian and third was Rebellion. The Leonard Anderson Memorial Trophy went to Shian.
As things started to wind down at “La Taberna” everyone made their way up to the Skeld Hall to get into the groove with The Vinyls who really put on an excellent night of entertainment. The dancing went on until the early hours.
A spokesman from the club would like to thank everyone who attended the regatta and helped in any way to make it such a success. Also to all who entered into the spirit of the event with good humour, sportsmanship and energy.
