SkiffieFest 2022 kicked off in Delamont over the last weekend of July with much excitement due to its return. It was the usual “all weathers in one day “on the Saturday as all the Down
Association Clubs and Skiffs from further afield gathered like Tudor encampments before battle, under their coloured gazebos along the hillside overlooking the lovely water beyond. As always, Delamont in County Down was a hive of fun, both on the shore and on the water with various activities as well as the fast paced racing skiffs.
The various club encampments were showing their prowess. Some had their own portable BBQ and the aroma of sizzling meat frequently wafted across us. Intimidating as this could have been, they kindly offered some of their burgers demonstrating the generous spirit of the skiffie community. Not to be outdone, our own clubs baking prowess is well known with members such as Lily providing homemade biscuits, gaining quite a following.
The good news on day one was of our Junior rower, Jack, whose boat won a bronze medal. In our community there is a strong competitive spirit, but people will quite happily help out and join other racing boats when crew are needed. Jack was so happy about his win and it certainly was one of the weekends highlights for our club, congratulations Jack.
The hillside viewpoint was excellent as we watched the racing, the little boats swishing up and down to whoops of delight, cheers and screams. It was like a board game when each time the dice got thrown, the same two or three boat numbers re appeared. Well, it would have been strange had these top rowers not done well, having just returned from SkiffieWorlds, where once again a team from Northern Ireland are World Champions. The whole day was full of bonhomie as clubs mixed, laughed together and cheered each other on. Everyone enjoyed their racing.
Sunday had the best weather. Racing continued in good heart with club members pitching in to cox, umpire, drive the safety boat, race and occasionally pop up to our gazebo to grab their snacks. Some of our newest members gamely raced for the first time and did very well. There was talk of not having “crabbed “, of having “nearly crabbed “or “what’s catching crabs got to do with rowing anyhow”! (“Crabbing” being the great tradition of rowing that causes hilarious bouts of laughter in the boat, you’ll have to try rowing to find out more)
By Sundays close our members had another day of fun racing and Sarah’s amazing out of the oven buttery blueberry scones, as well as many other treats and activities that where available at the festival, with some even turning their hand to Archery, so watch out SkiffieFest 2023 we may have a new strategy for the years racing!
It was an amazing weekend and thanks of course must go to our hard-working members who got us there and took part, as well as the organisers who once again put on an amazing event for our wee community of beautiful boats and clubs. All we can say is we look forward to doing it all again next year.
