Avoch row away with top prize at first Nairn Regatta
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A Black Isle rowing crew took home the top spot at the first ever regatta organised by a Nairn club.
Avoch Rowing Club's efforts during the competition on the Moray Firth shore got them the Strathnairn cup.
With 22 rowers attending on the day – some having to take part to two rows back-to-back – the Black Isle side scored a total of 40 points across the races on the day, which made them overall winners of the regatta.
"The day went really well," said rower Ami Garriock (28), who joined the club in June after moving to the area from Orkney.
"Golspie and Ullapool always put in a really tough competition but we are really glad of how we performed. It was good to row in different waters.
"We have performed very well this season – at the Strathpeffer regatta we didn't win the overall but took home some silver medals.
"This was my first time being at stroke so it was a bit nerve-wracking at ties but I really enjoyed it."
It was not a day without challenges – the last race saw one of the pins holding the oar in place snapping, but the crew still managed to come in fourth place, with only three people rowing.
This was the first event organised by the Nairn side, who arrived second in overall score on the day (with a total of 38 points).
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"It all ran very smoothly and I found it very well organised. When we arrived the wind was a bit strong and we thought we'd have to postpone the start but in the end everything went according to plans.
"Having the Strathnairn cafe open for food and drinks was really good too."
The club is now getting ready for the Cromarty Regatta this weekend, which will be the last of the season, and then will continue the preparation for next year's competitions when the season restarts.
