NORTH Berwick Rowing Club are hailing a successful regatta after their ninth edition.

Coastal rowing crews from across Scotland and further afield came to the town last month to compete in races which saw them venture around Craigleith.

County clubs Dunbar, Boatie Blest from Port Seton, and Musselburgh’s Eskmuthe also took part in the day’s racing alongside the hosts, with 10 races for men’s, women’s and mixed crews.

Racing started with the over-45 age categories, Eastern winning the men’s race, followed by North Berwick, then Troon.

In the women’s over-45 category, North Berwick came third behind Broughty Ferry, with Eastern taking gold.

The hosts then excelled in the mixed under-18 race when they took the first two places, Queensferry finishing third.

'Testament to their hard work'

Claire Simpson, junior coach, said: “We have a very good squad of youngsters who are dedicated to their training and their win is a testament to all their hard work.”

First place followed for Eastern in the mixed decades race, in which crews of four each had to be from different age decades. North Berwick and St Ayles (from Anstruther)finished second and third respectively.

The fastest race of the day followed, North Berwick’s mixed open crew rounding the rock in 17 minutes and 35 seconds, beating rivals Eastern and Broughty Ferry.

A new category for novice rowers was introduced and the hosts came out on top, before Eskmuthe and Elie.

The mixed 240+ race followed, providing a competitive contest for the rowing clubs’ older members. For a team to qualify, the accumulated age of the crew had to be at least 240.

St Ayles won their first gold medal of the day, followed by Northumberland’s Alnmouth Coastal Rowing Club and Troon coming third.

The mixed 45+ race

followed, RUW from the Netherlands taking bronze, just pipped by Broughty Ferry and Eastern in first and second respectively.

The day concluded with the much-anticipated men’s and women’s open races.

In the men’s, Eastern edged out North Berwick, who were followed home by Boatie Blest. Broughty Ferry’s ladies came home in top spot, North Berwick collecting silver as their ninth medal of the day and Boatie Blest claiming the bronze.

Duncan Mackay, club captain, said: “Once again we have put on a day of races that visiting clubs and spectators have thoroughly enjoyed. It is good to see medals distributed around all the different clubs. which encourages people who are new to the sport.”

Visit nbrowingclub.com for more information on North Berwick Rowing Club.