Headed to water

The Labrador West Regatta is all set to go.

Harold Clarke, president of the Labrador West Coxswain Association, said the group is pleased with the number of teams rowing in the 37th annual Regatta considering a lot of people left town this summer.

"Once again this year the female participation far outweighs the male competitors," Clarke noted. "Of the 28 teams, 18 of them are made up of young ladies and women. About 25 per cent are new rowers, but a lot of the teams are a combination of rowers from teams, which have rowed in previous regattas. Of the 14 coxswains guiding the rowing teams, three are new this year, all of them women."

He said practices started June 14 and members of the association, coxswains and rowers have been rowing as early as 5 a.m. and as late as sunset.

He explained rowers will get to put their skills to the test at 7 a.m. July 31 - weather permitting - when the first regatta races begin.

Clarke said the races will run until 6 p.m. with the women's championship wrapping up the day, and while the organizers hope the weather is good, the main concern is wind.

"Our main priority will be the safety of participants, both rowers and coxswains," he stated. "If it is too windy we may delay the start or have to cancel, but that very seldom has happened in the past."

For people not participating in the races, Clarke explained there will also be 14 concession stands that offer food, beverages, games of chance, or games for young children, as well as two large blow-up toys for the kids to enjoy. He pointed out local musicians will also be on hand to provide some handclapping, foot stomping tunes throughout the day.

Clarke said parking at the Regatta site has been an issue at past events - some people have parked their vehicles in areas that block of lanes of traffic, which could be a disaster in an emergency - so he wants to remind residents to be cognizant of where they leave their vehicles.

"We would really appreciate it if people would consider this before they park their cars and trucks," he stated. "There is ample parking space available by the boathouse and coming into the site for everyone to park their vehicles without interfering with the flow of traffic."

There are approximately 20 volunteers with the Coxswain Association who work year round to ensure a successful regatta each year, and Clarke said about 50 more people volunteer on Regatta Day; thanks to their efforts, he's looking forward to another great regatta in 2009.