Saturday 25 August 2012

Porthmadoc Pilot Boat Race

Saturday 25th August saw the second running of the Porthmadoc Pilot Boat Race.  This race is based on the historical tradition where pilot boats raced eachother out to get the trade of incoming sailing ships to Porthmadoc Harbour.  RWYC rowers entered one boat this year; Macsen crewed by Malcolm (Cox), Angie (Stroke), Neil, Mike, Elin and Meg as passenger/pilot.  All entered into the spirit of the Victorian fancy dress.

The crew of Macsen getting into character
    
The race began at 2pm on Borth-y-Gest beach with one member of each crew racing across the sand to their waiting crew and boat.  Then followed a six mile row out to the midway buoy and back with a 'drop-off' of a beanbag into a waiting tender at the halfway mark.....what could be easier?  Penalty for not getting the beanbag in the tender....1 minute.  Mike got the running job at the start and Macsen  made a strong start and settled into 3rd place out of a field of 6.  Fleetwing of Porthmadoc pressed hard but every time they threatened a 'Big 20' saw them off.  

The midway buoy was taken smoothly and Meg prepared for her moment....the .dropping of the beanbag into the waiting tender.  Unfortunately and in a moment of great drama, the beanbag ended up in the drink and not in the tender and a 1 minute penalty to Macsen!  Fired-up rather than downhearted, Macsen powered on and even pulled away further from those chasing her.  The run back in was quicker than that out due to a following wind and incoming tide.  So in no time at all Borth-y-Gest was in sight.  The race finished with Mike having to make one more run up the beach to the finish line.

The field gets under way

Despite a fast row back and Macsen finishing 3rd, the minute penalty pushed her back into 5th place.  A strong row and a pint (or two) of Mws Piws were enjoyed by all at the end. Macsen's crew also had the bonus of winning the fancy dress competition.  Thanks to Porthmadoc for again, organising a great event.