THE sailors’ proverb says those who go to sea for pleasure would go to hell for a pastime.
But, in Glasgow this weekend, it’ll be heaven for those who don’t need coaxed on to coxed boats or who could fair caulk a hull. Indeed, the first ever Clydebuilt Festival will surely also attract those who prefer to be on land with a drink in their hand as they contemplate the Trongate Rum Riots.
The festival, billed as “a celebration of boats and the folks that use them for work and play”, will feature what it says is the biggest open water rowing race in Scotland: 13 miles from Dumbarton Castle to the Finnieston Crane in Glasgow.
Open to any fixed seat, coxed rowing boat of at least four oars, the race speeds under the Erskine Bridge and past old shipyards and functioning docks. A feast for the eyes – if you got time to look.
There’s also a shorter skiff race for the Glasgow Cup and, throughout the weekend, folk who fancy wedging themselves into a canoe and rowing forth will be able to take part in one of the “experience sessions”.
Still on the water, Sunday afternoon will see the launch of GalGael’s new West Coast Skiff and of the Captain’s Gig by Tall Ship. On land, GalGael will be offering hands-on lessons in shaping a plank or caulking a hull, and Tall Ship will also be demonstrating boatbuilding skills and running workshops.
Folk from the Scottish Maritime Museum and Northlight Heritage will be talking about their work, the latter with the West Boathouse.
Like many decent ratepayers, every morning I give thanks that the hunter-gatherer age is over. However, there’s a chance to thrill at the period’s nautical skills when the Backwoods Survival School demonstrate how to make a traditional skin-on-frame curragh.
After which, punters might fancy hunting out the Marquee Bar and gathering a pint while watching some fab bands, with the aforementioned Trongate Rum Riots as the Saturday night headliners.
Sounds fab. There’s your choice, folks: hell or high water. The wet stuff for me every time.
Clydebuilt Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday around the Riverside Museum, Glasgow. Visit clydebuiltfestival.com.
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