Martin O’Neil reminded us about Nithsdale Regatta 2018 the day before. I documented the local crews from Nithsdale Amateur Rowing Club racing other clubs across Scotland and North England in April 2015 but the event date (and month) kept changing and I hadn’t a chance to revisit the Greensands in the subsequent years.
As we knew the date for sure this time John and I decided to spend a couple of fun and relaxing hours outdoors, on the banks of the river Nith, amidst fans, dog walkers and other photographers.
Of course, these hours were that relaxing for us, the onlookers. The rowers were battling it out on water since 8 am till 6 pm. 10 clubs competing in 123 races, 113 medals to win!
I used my camera to document just a fragment of this annual regatta, to celebrate sportsmanship and the incredible tenacity these rowers of all ages and gender exhibited, and the house officials who did everything possible to run this massive competition smoothly.
As always, it was amazing to observe the easy camaraderie the crews shared and their enjoyment of their sport!
The sign outside Nithsdale Amateur Rowing Club on the day of Nithsdale Regatta 2018
Onlookers waiting for the next race
A member of Stirling ARC checking his boat
Easy camaraderie and face panting
War paint…
Nithsdale Regatta in full swing
The boat number (detail)
Setting the boat on water
Oars bearing club colours on the green
Of course, the regatta is an event your dog will enjoy too!
NARC girl crew just after finishing their race
Fans and supporters on the bicycle bridge that serves as Nithsdale Regatta finishing line
Regatta official checking his notes and the crew from Castle Semple Rowing Club waiting for their turn at the dock
Talkin Tarn ARC members preparing for their turn
Playing with the dog in between the regatta races
The event runs smoothly as one crew after another taking their turn at the dock
The doubles team from Aberdeen Boat Club carrying their boat away of the river
As always, no duck was harmed- this duck family swims along quite happily not minding the regatta
Synchronicity with which the crew members move as they carry the boat is amazing!
Two boats after their race on the river Nith
John was impressed how the crew stays together even at rest, all huddled in one truck
After the bright colours of Dumfries summer festivals, carnivals and pageants I became curiously drawn to inky monochromes and moody black and whites. I noticed this while processing my urban photography recce images. The upcoming Urban Portraits Dumfries project session is inspired by the town centre’s multiple alleys and passage that provide shortcuts…
On the last day of summer, an hour before sunset I found myself walking in Crichton gardens trying to compare how much they changed since my last visit. Also I was not over my obsession of the colour purple thus hoping to find some flowers that would fit the ‘brief’. I…
Of the two of us, it’s I, due to my art history degree, that is more likely to tiptoe around a pile of bricks at the Tate Modern and believe the sign saying that it is the greatest work of art of all times. So, when I read out from…
This previously unblogged session of a couple in love from my Urban Portraits Dumfries project is just right to be posted on Valentine’s Day. When Lucy and Matthew first contacted me they wrote about their affection for Nithsdale, their long walks along the stream and their appreciation of living near the river Nith running…
When John and I decided to attend Guid Nychburris (Good Neighbours) festival that celebrated the 1395 Royal Charter for the Burgh of Dumfries I was anticipating a medieval-style pageant and the horse ride and John, being a sociologist, was thinking of a much publicised Dumfries Charter 14 by the Stove…
