Ringsend Regattas – St. Patrick’s and Stella strive for East Coast crown before rowing season closes

Pictured above: Stella Maris Regatta. Photo by Myles Murphy

Pictured above:
Stella Maris Regatta. Photo by Myles Murphy

It would be hard to find a more fun-filled family event in Dublin than the regattas hosted by Stella Maris and St. Patrick’s Rowing Club during the month of July.

The sight of the skiffs coming down the river past the huge P&O ferries, their teams all battling to win, is a visual treat. Spectators who line the route and gather on the Tom Clarke Bridge can pick out their favourite team from a distance and against the grey waters of the river by the distinctive colours of the rowers’ stylish uniforms.

The sound of the Klaxon signals the start and finish of each race and adds to the sense of excitement. It is music to the ears of the rowers. When they hear it at the start of their race the adrenaline starts pumping and at the finish they know that they can relax, happily if they are first past the markers.

These are not bling events although they are spectacular. The theme of the entertainment around the clubhouses on Regatta Day is always the simple pleasures of life.

Bouncy castles for the younger children, BBQ burgers provided by club members for a modest €3, tea or coffee for €1 and delicious homemade cupcakes for 50c.

There are plenty of packed lunches in evidence too and the occasional disposable BBQ. The ice-cream van parked nearby always does brisk business.

Skiff rowing is an inter-generational sport. The youngest teams train and compete in the same boats on the same stretch of river as the senior teams, and many are members of the same families. It is a tough sport too, requiring dedication and daily training during the summer months.

Pictured above: Stella Maris Men’s Novice Team feel the strain. Photo by Myles Murphy.

Pictured above: Stella Maris Men’s Novice Team feel the strain. Photo by Myles Murphy.

Although training and talent are the key to success, luck has a part to play and teams wait anxiously on the morning of the regatta to hear the results of the draw that will determine which lane they will race in. On the stretch of the river between St. Patrick’s and Stella Maris, the outside lane is seen as a handicap as it is closer to the shipping lane and more exposed to the elements.

Competition between the clubs is fierce but gracious and after each race competitors from different teams can be heard either congratulating or commiserating with members of the opposition.

There are nine Rowing Clubs along the east coast from Skerries to Arklow and each one hosts a Regatta Day during the season, under the auspices of the East Coast Rowing Council. Races are strictly monitored by adjudicators and a team can be disqualified if they don’t stick to the rules.

Pictured above: St Patrick’s Women’s Junior Team under intense pressure. Photo by Father Tonge.

Pictured above: St Patrick’s Women’s Junior Team under intense pressure. Photo by Father Tonge.

The organisers from the individual clubs do trojan work to make sure that their Regatta Day is a success, liaising with the port authorities, going out in boats from early morning to lay the courses and manning the judging, maintenance and safety boats throughout the day. St Patrick’s set a record this year, running 17 races over 8 hours. Thanks to the magnificent logistical planning of Richie Saunders and the rest of the club’s organisers, the day went off without a hitch.

St Patrick’s and Stella Maris are doing very well overall as the 2016 season draws to a close and hold the two top spots on the leaderboard. Stella is slightly ahead with only two regattas to go, which are at Greystones on July 30th and Wicklow (club) on August 1st.

So both local clubs have all to play for, which should make for an exciting finish to this year’s events.

By Jennifer Reddin