PADDLERS Face Tough Conditions In Tail O’ The Bank Kayak Race
Robin Lang. Photo by Alex Workman
THE Royal West, Greenock hosted another successful Tail o’ the Bank Kayak Race.
Unfortunately, high winds and difficult sea conditions prevented the use of the usual course around the wreck of the Captayannis sugar ship. However, an alternative coastal route was chosen which was much safer in the very challenging sea conditions.
The main race was just under 10 miles but there was also a four-mile challenge for those not so used to kayak racing.
Winner of the performance category in the main race was Robin Lang from Canada in one hour, 39 minutes. Alan Hunter from North Berwick was second in one hour, 45 minutes and Steve Glynn from Devon was third in one hour, 51 minutes.
Alan Hunter, Colin Campbell and Steve Glynn. Photo by Alex Workman
In the sea kayak category, Colin Campbell, from the Royal West, finished in first place after completing the main course in one hour, 49 minutes.
In the four-mile event; Royal West paddlers, Mark Hansen and Mark Gallagher took first and second places in times of 45 and 50 minutes respectively.
Mark Hansen. Photo by Alex Workman
Mark Gallagher. Photo by Alex Workman
There were 31 entrants but the difficult conditions resulted in a lot of retirals. Unusually, no female paddlers completed the course but Susan Smith, from Drumchapel and Clydebank Kayak Club, was looking strong until she had to retire after six miles.
Susan Smith. Photo by Alex Workman
A Challenge Medal was awarded to Susan for her effort. A Challenge medal was also awarded to Paul Hignet from Bishopbriggs who was competing in his first ever sea race. Paul also had to retire but, up until that point, he had been coping well.
Paul Hignet. Photo by Alex Workman
The furthest travelled competitor was Robin Lang from Canada. Robin is a former Portonian who emigrated in 1980 but was back in Inverclyde visiting his mother. During his visit, Robin has managed to compete in kayaking events at Oban, then the Royal West and will be travelling to World Masters Championships in France.
There were also participants from Northern Ireland, Wales and the Midlands.
Robin Lang and Colin Campbell were the only competitors who had raced in the very first Tail o’ the Bank Race in 1976 and then again this year. They both showed they are still very competitive.
Local Sea Cadets assisted by providing safety boats and crew to supplement the Royal West’s own boat.
A list of times will be published on the Royal West’s website at rwsabc.co.uk. The site also provides information on the club’s other watersports activities.
