NEW SEASON NEWS

Championships Report

As the team assembled around 2pm in a blaze of bright sunshine at Delting, few would have thought the events to follow were likely - though all hoped. The Under-16 boys were first up. Sadly Tyler missed out, but Mhairi stepped into the breach to complete the team at very short notice. Her efforts were amply rewarded as the boys finally did what they had threatened earlier in the season, coming third, behind Lerwick and Nesting but ahead of Burra and Bigton. At that moment, they equalled the club's best result. They were justifiably elated on return to the marina. Special note should also be made regarding Yvonne generously and sportingly crewing for Burra.

It was not clear what impact, if any, Mhairi and Yvonne's efforts in the previous race had on the Under-16 girls team, but they were up next. However, the Girls also finally achieved what they had come so close to doing at Reawick (when there were only 4 of them) and Trondra. They finished 4th, beating Bigton. Once again they were ecstatic - and justifiably so.

The Boys then turned out in the Under-21 race. There was little chance of them finishing anywhere other than behind Nesting and Lerwick, who were considerably older and bigger than the Vidlin Boys. However, with no one else bothering to enter, they picked up 3rd again. This was the first time ever that the club had managed two podium finishes in the same regatta. The Boys - with some girl power - had done us proud. Fortunately, Tyler was present for this race. So he too had his turn in the limelight as reward for his efforts for the team over the season.

The Vet Women put out a strong team but found themselves in a very competitive field. For the bulk of the race, which was a close one, they were in contention in a tightly-bunched leading group. In the end, they finished 7th - a solid result, around about their season's average (equal 6th with Bigton) and a fair reflection of what they can do with a full complement.

The Vet Men also had to rely on Vet Women help. Once again this was a most competitive field and our team was not at its strongest. Nevertheless, the team finished 7th, behind, but not far behind Lerwick. This was another solid result in a tough field.

Attention then turned to the Women's Open, in the largest race of the day. There was certainly a weight of expectation on the team as they headed for the start. As the race unfolded, it was far from clear who was leading or who wasn't; all the boats were closely bunched in a very even competition. As the race entered its final stages and the angles became clearer, it became apparent that the Women were actually going to do what they had threatened at Reawick and Trondra. By a clear margin, they finished first - ahead of Lerwick and Aith, with Burra 4th. This was the first time Vidlin had won a race at a regatta (though the Under-16 Boys in earlier years raced under the Vidlin flag, they are 'the Nesting Boys'). As the crew and cox duly posed for the official post-victory photos, it finally began to sink in; history had been made. It should also be noted that the Lerwick team made particularly generous and sporting comments post-race.

With one of the women's crew obliged to stay in the boat - rather than head to the bar for a well-earned pint of wine - the Men's Open team headed out. This was another tightly-fought affair. The Men finished 6th - ahead of a short-handed Bigton crew but not far away from those ahead - arguably tying up late on, when others surged. However this was another solid result - just ahead of the season's average - and a good return on their first season's efforts.

What then followed was the extraordinary spectacle of Vidlin crews picking up three prizes at the post-race awards.

This represented arguably the most successful regatta in the most successful season in recent times. It has seen a truly co-operative, supportive approach from all members, with everyone stepping forward to do all they could to help the club whenever the need or opportunity arose. Special note must be made of Sandy and Sheila's efforts in rowing, coaching, coxing and team admin; as well as the entire Robinson family in rowing and towing the boat. But all those involved in the team, in whatever capacity, can share a sense of collective satisfaction in the results achieved, not just at this regatta, but throughout the season.

Now, for next year.............

Trondra Report

The Under-16 boys raced first and finished a most creditable 5th in 8m 50s. I suspect the boys may have been a little disappointed by this - since they had beaten Burra the previous week and expectations within the crew were high. However, Burra were much more competitve this time round and finished third. Nevertheless, the boys should be pleased with a result that was only one place off their season's best.

The Under-16 girls, with a full team this time, repeated their strong effort at Reawick, running Burra very close for 5th, but finally finishing 6th in 8m 17s.

The Vet Women, with a strong and experienced crew showed what might have been possible previously. In a large field of 9 boats, they finished 6th, in a quick time of 7m 04s, whilst running those in 5th and 4th close - equalling their best result and arguably their best performance.

The Vet Men - helped by the absence of Aith, which released Iain - but still fielding guests and women's vets (thanks to Stuart Williamson and Anne) struggled to find their best form. However they remained competitive and managed a most creditable 6th in 6m 45s, equalling their best result of the season, though irritatingly behind Trondra who they had defeated the previous week at Reawick.

The Under-16 Boys, with Tyler and Elliot then took part in the Under-21s. This could only be regarded as practice for future seasons as their opponents were all significantly older and bigger. However, the boys picked up useful points finishing 4th - the club's second best result of the day.

The Open Men were also assisted by Aith and the Vet Women (thanks to Ian Davidge and Jane). In a very tight finish, the men just edged out Bigton but couldn't pass Trondra. However, 6th was also a repeat of their best result of the season, so no complaints.

That left the Women's Open - with the team arguably labouring under an increasing burden of expectation following the 'near run thing' at Reawick. This time five boats seemed to detatch themselves from the pack as the race passed its half-way point. Following the Reawick experience, everyone just held their breath. As the boats swept towards the finish, it was clear that Bigton were out of the running and Lerwick were struggling, whilst Vidlin seemed to be surging - though what about those wretched angles? As they crossed the line, it was all too close to call. When the result was finally announced, it was Burra first in 6m 31.84s, Aith second 6m 32.37s and Vidlin third 6m 32.75s. Lerwick were 4th in 6m 35s. With the margin of victory so small, the Vidlin Women were ecstatic with their success yet also mindful of just 'what might have been'. But it was clear that this was the best result of the season for the Women's team and for the club. It also equalled the best result ever for the club as well as providing fantastic entertainment for those spectating.

Trondra concludes the League season. The club, with a reputation as a "social" rather than competitive organisation, has nevertheless dished out some surprises to the bigger teams this season - led by the Women's Open. The teams are improving but the challenge next season is to show that this season was not a "one off".
 

Raewick Regatta Report

This one's for Jim - a speedy recovery to you, mate.

Once again, conditions for Reawick were close to ideal - light winds and sunshine. What was to prove a confusion was the alignment of the finish line which favoured boats furthest from the breakwater and pier. However, races were very well organised and the regatta ran on time - which was an astonishing feat.

For a change the Under-16 girls were first to race. Sadly, they were one short and another turned up just too late to make the boat's departure (still, she was there for the Under-21s). This put a major hole in the team's chances, with only four rowers. The girls performed admirably in adversity. Had they had a full team - or even just five - they would probably have beaten Reawick's six - they were that close - 6 seconds behind them in 8m 31s to finish 7th. However, they set the tone for the teams that followed.

Having been so close to beating someone last week, the Under-16 boys were looking to open their account - and duly delivered. An excellent performance saw them overturn the Bigton result last week and beat Burra comfortably. They then went on to run Bigton close at the finish. They came in 4th in 6m 57s. They were justifiably ecstatic afterwards. This would equal the club's best result of the day.

In what must have been a rush of blood - the Under-16s duly offered battle in the Under-21 races. With one of the boys only 9 and another 10, they couldn't have given the opposition (mostly late teens) much more of an advantage - except the girls only had five rowers! Both teams gave it their very best - curiously the Under-21 boys team (with two changes) raced marginally faster than the Under-16s in 6m 49s (faster following tide?) for 6th. The five girls managed 7m 38s for 7th. Both teams were in the highest of spirits following their second race of the day (for most team members).

The Women's Vets at last had a full team and duly showed what might have been possible had they had six at Yell and Bigton. They completed the course in 6m 40s to finish comfortably 7th - ahead of Whiteness and Weisdale. Then, following the example set by the Under-16s, one of the vet women stepped forward to more than just make up the numbers for the Vet Men in the very next race.

The Vet Men - having not beaten anyone in a race so far this season - were none too sure they would open their account at Reawick, with one of the crew just recovering from illness, a last minute replacement (thanks Stuart WIlliamson) and one of the Women's Vets who couldn't even step out of the boat before having to race again. However, they far exceeded their expectations, running Trondra very close for 6th and 7th. From the boat it looked as if Trondra had just crept over the line first - however Trondra were on the pier side - and were duly adjudged 7th; Vidlin 6th by 3 seconds in 5m 53s.

The Women's Open were up next, perhaps with something to prove after Bigton. Five boats surged through the half-way point line abreast; who was leading was too close to call. As they swept past the spectators on the breakwater, just short of the line, Vidlin were closest the pier and seemed to be winning comfortably. Some in the crowd, sensing an incredible victory rather lost it all in the excitement (chants of 'Vidlin, Vidlin, Vidlin' from one who need not be named - but you know who it was). Unfortunately celebrations were premature as the curious finish line played its part again. Vidlin were judged 4th, 2 seconds behind Lerwick and a mere 7 seconds behind Burra in first. Lerwick - magnanimous - acknowledged their surprise to be given 3rd. Nevertheless, 4th was an excellent result - equal best of the day and one the team would have taken if offered at the start. It also restored the pattern set at Nesting and Yell. However for one of the Women's Open there wasn't even time to find out the result of her race; she was needed for the Men's Open - up next.

Heading out for the Men's Open, the lady in the team remarked her amusement at being allowed to 'play with the big boys' - what did she mean? This was the largest field of the day with eleven boats in the water. The Men delivered their best result of the season - 6th - just behind Aith again - as at Bigton. Frustratingly, it looked like Aith were beaten, but the Finish Line stepped forward yet again - Vidlin were on the pier side and Aith were 5th by 2 seconds. Still 6th in 5m 43s was a very good day's work and once again an improvement on the previous regatta.

For the first time this season, Vidlin competed in every race - a remarkable achievement. A final word of grateful thanks must go to Sheila and Sandy who were indefatigable in their tasks of organising boat and crews, coxing and rowing which lasted from well before 5pm until well after 10pm. They richly deserved their end-of-day pint (of gin and tonic, I thought? Or was it malt whisky?).

Trondra on Sunday. Get well Jim.

Bigton Regatta Report

The Friday forecast for Bigton on Saturday was dire - 25-30 mph winds gusting up to 53mph, plus heavy rain. Those not clinically insane wondered if this was the regatta to miss out on. When Saturday arrived, in Vidlin, the wind howled, white horses raced down the voe and the rain lashed the roof and windows. I must admit, this looked less than optimal racing conditions. With just a little trepidation, we set off for Bigton. However, as we have found so often up here, if you move 40 miles and wait a couple of hours you can enjoy completely different weather - for an hour or two. Bigton regatta was held in one of the most picturesque locations on the islands; the wind was a gentle breeze and conditions for the first four races at least were as benign as you could have wished.

Sadly, if five vet women at Yell was a shame, it was worse at Bigton. Only four vet women did their very collective best but were never in with a shout in the race. This is a huge shame and poor return for the hard work the vet women put in during practice sessions - this despite Sheila and Sandy working up to the very last minute trying to recruit crew. The irony was complete in that last week's stand-in for the team at Yell rowed for Yell at Bigton. Nevertheless, four courageous women vets brought home 7th in 8m 08s and another valuable collection of points for the club.

The men's vet team also had to rely on last minute recruits - grateful thanks go to Stanley and Andy (from Bigton) who stepped up when asked. The vet men's is a surprisingly competitive race. They all appear to be old hands who know just what they are doing. It is not a race to enter lightly if you want to win. Vidlin 7th despite giving it all they had in 6m 19s.

The Women's Open were next and had the weight of expectation upon them following two 4ths in their last two outings. This was a most closely-fought race and Vidlin were just edged out by Nesting - by 3 secs - and Bigton (who gained a measure of revenge) into 6th in 6m 22s. At the start of the season 6th would have been a good result - and so it was here - the women just know and have proved they can do better than 6th.

The men's open was another monumental struggle from start to finish with no quarter asked or given. Vidlin recorded their best result of the season - 7th - beating Whiteness and Weisdale and Bigton, though the latter only by 2 secs. Then again Lerwick were only 2 secs ahead of Vidlin and Aith only 4 secs. For most of the race Aith had been just behind but just seemed to find something in the tank at the finish. Vidlin's time 5m 48s.

Last up - after some wait and in what they felt were worsening conditions - came the Under-16 boys. This turned into yet another titanic fight for the line with the boys losing out by 1 sec to Burra in 7m 07s (we believe). Though the boys were understandably frustrated not to have managed 4th, they should be well pleased to have achieved the best result of the day for the club - 5th - and to have been so very competitive right up to the end.

With a dead heat in another of the races, the Bigton regatta was extremely competitive; the margin of victory or defeat in most cases was frighteningly small. Perhaps with as little bit more effort and a pinch more luck..........

Reawick on Friday.
 

Yell Regatta Report

The Yell course was relatively straightforward - though those on the right (looking from the pier) had to steer more of a curve than those on the left. There was also a tricky middle section where there was more of a swell. Not much bother if you were used to it, but unsettling if you weren't. Significantly, around the pier were a number of channel markers - most importantly a green marker some 20m short of the finish line, which was to cause a little confusion in the first race.

The Women's Open was first up. It was tight throughout the race with Vidlin hanging on to the usual front three (Burra, Aith and Lerwick). As they came into the finish, they were neck and neck with Bigton - with Bigton perhaps slightly ahead. At that point the green channel marker came into play. Bigton assumed it was the finish and powered down. Vidlin didn't and passed them to finish 4th in 7m 34s. Hard lines for Bigton but Vidlin wasn't complaining - and confirmation that the Nesting Regatta result was no flash in the pan.

For the first time Vidlin put out a Men's Vet team, courtesy of Bigton who loaned us a rower - our grateful thanks. The Men's Vet was a very competitive race and Vidlin's relatively scratch crew really had their work cut out: nevertheless 7th in a sound time of 7m 30s was achieved.

The Under-16 Boys and Girls, younger, smaller and less experienced than their opponents nevertheless put up courageous performances. The Girls finished 5th in 9m 28s, the boys 6th in 9m 10s. The swell in the middle was unsettling.

The Women's Vets sadly had only 5 rowers, even after having co-opted one of the Yell burger sellers at zero notice. Despite Sheila's impersonation of Wonder Woman - taking two oars and setting stroke - there was no chance for the team to show what it could really do. Nevertheless, they finished 8th in 9m 01s.

The Men's Open team, having trained well earlier that week were hopeful of achieving a better result than hitherto - that is - beating someone! They duly succeeded and stayed in the mix for far longer than before, being beaten by Bigton by only around half a boat length. All the top 7 teams finished in close proximity; Vidlin 7th out of 8. The Men's Open team was distinctly upbeat afterwards.
Lessons to take away were that turning up earns valuable points for the club overall; those who practise hard and regularly can do well.
 

Practice Week 2nd July

A curious week which has seen some teams without the normal complement. The men on Wednesday only managed 4 rowers but nevertheless completed a 1km in 7m 34s - not too bad in the circumstances and a useful workout. The women also had people missing as did the Under-16 girls; nevertheless those who turned up worked hard. The Under-16 boys had a full turn-out and a new recruit. This week was a reminder that turning the oars quickly doesn't necessarily make the boat go fast.

This is an odd time of year with many starting summer holidays as the schools break up. However, time is short ahead of Brae-to-Aith and the league-points-scoring Yell Regatta. All will need to focus next week ahead of the latter event

Round Trondra Race

'Crews modified training sessions in the lead-up to Trondra, reflecting the fact that results do not count towards the season's league and the course is 5.5miles rather than 1km. So for a week, sprinters became marathon runners. However, as someone - who will remain anonymous - said: "Oh, it's a charity event. It's not really a race - more of a paddle round." So men's training was largely a 5 mile 'paddle round' followed by a racing 1km. The ladies also raced 1km during their session on Tuesday, but largely dialled back the effort on Thursday - the day before Trondra.

As most will know, for Trondra, crews stay together but are allocated other teams' cox and boat. The ladies drew Trondra's boat. Though they fought hard, once Jamie's humliband had detached itself from its holder, there was no way we were coming other than last. On top of the fact that there were no footrests, that was a lot of effort for not much reward and sadly pointed the way forward for the men.

The men drew the Nesting boat - whose paint scheme is a work of art. Once the 'race' began, it was clear that we held 4th comfortably but just couldn't keep in touch with 3rd. Still for around 5 miles, we held a lead of between 3 and 6 boatlengths - when I could sneak a look. This WAS a race (now who said it wasn't?). To their credit, Trondra never gave up though for the bulk of the course we held them. As we neared the final turn, of course, my cumliband then took on a life of its own. I went backwards off the seat, messed up Ian's oar and generally contributed little or nothing for the rest of the race whilst I tried - intermittently - to get back to rowing. It simply didn't work. The five remaining crew just could not hold Trondra who gained morale as they cut the lead. As far as I could tell, they passed us with the finish line in sight.

A word of profound thanks to the Nesting cox who urged us on every step of the way like we were his own crew. A sterling effort.

I cannot remember being so tired or so angry in recent times. The rest of the crew claim to have had their cursing vocabulary either enhanced or refreshed. If I'd had the energy left, I'd have made sure that oar never worked again - but I didn't. I can only apologise to my colleagues. The technology in the Nesting boat was beyond me.

This was such a bitter result - but never mind. We must pick ourselves up mentally and physically and ready ourselves for Yell regatta on 11 July. We've shown what we can do against Trondra at Trondra. So what about 1km back in OUR boat? We shall see.

If I ever hear anyone complain about our boat..............'

Post Nesting Practice

After the excitement of Nesting, crews returned to evaluate their performance and consider what they might do to improve; should they go conservative, to preserve what they have achieved so far? Should they examine critically multiple aspects to achieve a quantum leap in speed but risk having it all come off the rails? All that seems certain is that over the next few weeks, particularly in the Women's Open, our competitors will do all they can to improve; Vidlin's showing will act merely as a stick to drive them on.

So on Tuesday, the women posted 6m 24s and then 6m 17s on Thursday. The Women's vets managed 7m 3s on Tuesday and then 6m 33s on Thursday - the latter seems an especially good effort. The men on Wednesday, after a fairly long row around the voe, achieved 6m 17s returning to the marina. The boys also raced a 1km on Wednesday in around 7m 40s.

All food for thought and reflection. With the next (points scoring) regatta at Yell on 11 July, there is now time to tinker and adapt

Nesting Regatta Report

Nesting held their first ever regatta on Saturday at a disused WW2 Catalina base. Despite strong winds blowing around the islands, the water in the voe did little more than ripple making conditions close to ideal. With start and finish visible from the jetty, this was a fine location. However, with crews rowing into the wind, races were far more of a stamina test than at Collafirth, as the times reflect.

First on were the Veteran Women. They were up with the hunt throughout and produced a solid result to finish 6th in 7m 15s in a very competitive field. The Men's Open then started well enough and stayed in the mix until around 100m from the end. Perhaps the energy used to stay in touch then left them running on empty, but the crew went backwards from that point, finishing 9th in 6m 28s (though less than a minute separated first from last in a large field). The Women's Open then produced the result of the day. All the effort of last week paid off as they finished a superb 4th. Rumours abounded afterwards that opponents had cried in their panic and despair during the race:

"Oh my God, it's Vidlin!"

The women were justifiably ecstatic post-race, having completed the course is 6m 29s - just a second slower than their male colleagues.

The U-16 Boys put out a young crew - some of whom were racing for the first time - and equalled their performance at Collafirth, finishing 4th. The Under-16 Girls then made their first appearance of the season and almost matched their male compadres, finishing 5th (to be confirmed - maybe 4th). As in practice this week, the moment the girls sat in the boat the heavens opened. The rain stopped as they crossed the finish line. Have they done something recently to offend the Rowing Gods?

It should be noted in both cases that the Vidlin juniors were considerably younger, smaller and less experienced than their opponents. The boys can be proud of the fact that at the moment they are the leading points accumulators in the club with 38 pts.

One of the Vidlin women's crew, noting the rise of Lerwick over the last year asked them the secret of their success: turning up regularly to practice was the reply

Week 5

On Tuesday, would you believe it, the second the under-16s get in the boat it starts raining. Well the weather could only improve - but only when they got out of the boat. The Women raced two 1kms but when the coaches suggested a third, even the women decided that it was possible to have too much of a good thing. Still, in tricky conditions, fast times were maintained. The women then raced another 2 1kms on Thursday and should be in good shape for Nesting.

The men raced one 1km in 6m 24s - not a Collafirth time but then instead of a gale behind, it was only a stiff breeze and we suspect the tide was flowing out - putting wind against current. The size of the waves were comparable to Collafirth with the boat apt to surf down the big ones and wallow in the troughs. The Under-16 boys also turned out and raced 1km as well in 7m 40s. This was very encouraging for them and a good effort on their part. The Under-16 girls also turned out in force on Thursday and are set to compete at Nesting in their first race as a crew. Well done them

Collafirth Regatta Report

Collafirth Race report. Could you please upload to the website.

This was the opening exchange of the season - the first chance to see how pre-season training really stood up in competition.

Whilst it was a very bright, warm, sunny day - there was a strong wind blowing down the course making conditions tricky, especially for those with less experience. It also turned the races into more of a sprint than a long haul.

The Open Women were up first in a very competitve field. They did remarkably well. This observer thought they may have held 4th for a time - though angles are deceptive at Collafirth. In the end they can think themselves unlucky to finish 6th - a mere two seconds behind 5th - in 5m 27s. A little more luck and it could have been 4th.

The Men's Open was equally competitive though Vidlin did not fare so well. Nevertheless, with Nesting and Trondra in a "coming together", Vidlin seized the chance to finish 10th - ahead of Trondra in 5m 35s. This was not a best result and the crew will hope to improve at Nesting. Grateful thanks to Stanley Robertson who stood in at the last minute to cox.

The Women's Vets was a second tough race for around half the crew (who had rowed already in the Open Women's) and though the time and performance was creditable, the opposition was in unforgiving mood. Vidlin were 7th in 5m 36s, not much slower than their younger compadres and around as quick as the men - a brave performance for scant reward.

A mixed, lightweight and inexperienced crew took part in the Boys Under-16, where Vidlin (courtesy of Nesting) had swept all before them in previous years. It should be noted that many of the opposition looked to be 4 or 5 years older and around twice the tonnage of some of the Vidlin crew. Nevertheless a courageous and resolute performance in marginal conditions saw them return the club's best result of the day - 4th in 6m 35s. They should be very proud of their efforts.

Finally grateful thanks should be passed to Sandy for organising and coxing so many crews over a long day; as well as rowing - at short notice - in the Men's Open, when many of the opposition were less than half his age.

Overall, it is clear that those who did well will realise they cannot rest on their laurels. Those with aspirations unfulfilled will increase their efforts. Those who failed to appear will realise you've got to be "in it to win it". This was the opening skirmish of a long and tough campaign. Nesting is next week. Bring it on.

Week 4

The women had a tough week. Two racing 1kms were rowed on Tuesday with very respectable times of 6m20s and 7m 50s. They then raced again on Thursday - untimed - in pretty grim conditions. With the coaches advising on race tactics and practice starts as well, this was a "full on" week for them.

It was grim out there for the men on Wednesday, with a fair bit of white water. But with Collafirth just around the corner however, we needed all the practice we could get. For this crew member, the new oars took a little getting used to, but will be fine come race day. In the poor conditions, the men managed a 7m 20s for the 1km; not as quick as might have been hoped. Also on Wednesday an Under-16 boys team took to the water. Well done to them. However it's not clear whether Vidlin will be able to field a team at Collafirth.

Special mention should be made for those U-16s (boys and girls) who turned out on Thursday in quite vile conditions; this showed startling dedication and not a little fortitude. It's also worth noting the coaches' dedication and enthusiasm - they were there all evening - three days of the week

Week 3

Training just got more serious this week.

The women posted their first 1km time - 6m 40s wind and tide assisted - then practised race starts; a hard session. Thursday was less stressful but still useful.

The men's time this week was 6m 10s with wind and tide, though it has to be noted that there was less wind this week than last. They then had a go against the conditions and managed 7m 30s. That suggests a not inconsiderable current and breeze - or dare one suggest a lack of fitness? With a couple of seals and a puffin for company on the water, it was a hugely enjoyable, if wearisome session.
With Collafirth just over a week away, this was a timely shift in emphasis

Week 2

Another encouraging week for Vidlin saw the women's team out twice during the week - for one strenuous and one lighter session. Most pleasing to see people returning consistently. The men also went out and posted a 1km time of just over 6 mins, though they were assisted by a considerable breeze. Nevertheless a big step forward, even if it was a painful one. The U-16 girls (with some boy assistance) also endured a tough training session, rowing 2 half-km distances at race speed. Their pace was impressive but required a lot of effort and concentration. They may well favour a return to a more relaxed regime next week with the regular cox and coach. Nevertheless, they showed a glimpse of what might be possible

Week 1

The season started encouragingly this week for Vidlin Rowing Club. Tuesday saw practice sessions for the Juniors and Women. New members have joined the women's section and there is a possibility that the club may have enough to field separate women's and women's veterans teams - unlike last year. On Wednesday there was a minor miracle:  a men's team took to the water. This is largely unknown for Vidlin in recent years. Even more surprising was that the evening in question was a rough one out on the voe - not the best conditions for those new to the boat, but probably a reasonable reflection of conditions likely to be encountered at Bigton regatta.

A warm welcome to those joining for the first time, those returning from long absence and those regulars coming back for another year's hard racing! Sheila and Sandy's focus over the next few weeks will probably need to be building fitness and technique ahead of Collafirth at the end of the month. The regatta will be upon us all too quickly and there is much to do - particularly with the new men's team.

But this first week has been a surprising and encouraging one