A team from Portsoy Coastal Rowing Club monstered Loch Ness on 28th September 2019 to raise money for The MS Society Scotland. The crew took part in the Monster the Loch challenge, rowing 21 miles in a time of 3 hours 39 minutes, coming 3rd overall in the skiff category and the 2nd mixed skiff crew to finish.
52 man powered boats took part in the race, from solo kayakers to 8 man Cornish gigs and the Mens GB Olympic Rowing team. A few brave souls even took to the water in fancy dress on pedalos!
The race started in misty conditions at Fort Augustus but once the weather cleared, the rowers were treated to spectacular views along Loch Ness. With an option to stop half way at Foyers, many boats stopped off to change crews but the hardy Portsoy team continued on for the full distance.
After passing the hauntingly beautiful Urquhart Castle on the other side of the loch, it was only a few more miles until the ‘milestone’ fish farm came into view and it was time for a sprint to the finishing line. The rowers arrived on the shore at Dores to the sound of the pipes. No sign of Nessie along the way but what a spectacular experience!
The Portsoy team chose to raise money for MS Society Scotland as several of the crew members have family battling the disease and raised over £1500.
Looks like you had a great time!