HUNDREDS of rowers from all over Scotland and the north east of England, and their supporters, descended on North Berwick's West Beach on Saturday for North Berwick Rowing Club's 11th annual regatta.

Fifteen clubs from across Scotland, including county clubs Dunbar, Boatie Blest (Port Seton) and Musselburgh’s Eskmuthe as well as the hosts, took part in the day’s events with 10 races planned for men, women and mixed crews.

Rowers travelled from as far as Nairn, Burghead  (near Elgin) and Troon and were joined by others from around the Forth and the east coast.

With up to 19 St. Ayles skiffs in some races, spectators on the harbour wall were treated to an impressive sight as the competitors rowed from the old pier around Craigleith island and back to the start, a distance of about three kilometres.

Racing started with the over-45 age categories with the home club winning the men’s race followed by Alnmouth and Troon. In the ladies' category, Troon were third behind Broughty Ferry and winners Boatie Blest.

A shorter course for mixed under-18s was set from the island to the old pier and Eastern Amateur Coastal Rowing Club, from Portobello, claimed the first two places with South Queensferry not far behind.

An interesting category featuring four rowers from different age decades featured next and was won by Ellie and Earlsferry, who do not often feature in the medal results. North Berwick and Eastern followed in the minor places.

Before the lunchtime break,  the wind picked up, resulting in very challenging  sea conditions for the open mixed race. Eastern, St Ayles (from Anstruther) and Boatie Blest took the places before the chief umpires decided to shorten the course in the interests of safety.

Next up was the novice race, for rowers who have never won a medal before, which saw North Berwick victorious.

Unfortunately, the wind increased and the difficult decision was taken to cancel the last three races including the Women's and Men’s Open.

These are seen as the Blue Riband events at any regatta and many skiffies will have been disappointed not to have had the opportunity to demonstrate their club’s abilities. 

Claire Simpson, the host club's regatta officer, said: "Once again we 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."

 She thanked all those who took part, helped in the organisation, the supporters and especially the sponsors.

Spectators who want more information or are interested in taking part are advised to visit www.new.nbrowingclub.com