It's a lot easier in the afternoon. In the morning there are just so many kids. Indeed scores of children will have rowed, paddled, and swum this morning. Over 200 medals on red, white, and blue ribbons have been placed around 200 young necks. After lunch and the adult swimming events, the docks fill up again.
Competitors are less noisy, but the tension is higher.
Some of the adult races matter. The prizes are old and ornate, and huge by modern standards, but the real prize is bragging rights. I still row a mile every morning. John Duncan's son Peter is rowing the Mens Double Skiff All Ages with David Niblett, his Best Man. He was Best Man for David as well.