Image credit: Aberdeen Boat Club
Rowing has a way of pulling people together, from veterans of the sport to athletes returning after decades away. Few people understand that better than Gary Bain of Aberdeen Boat Club (ABC). As a coach, umpire, and lifelong rower, he has watched his club evolve into a Masters powerhouse and joyous community. After seeing ABC’s success at the World Rowing Masters Regatta first hand, I knew I had to speak to the man contributing towards the epic triumphs of the club. I caught up with Gary to hear his thoughts on ABC’s remarkable 2025 season and why rowing continues to mean so much to so many.
Before I begin, I must introduce you to Gary and his incredible dedication to our sport. For more than three decades, Gary Bain has been a central figure in Scottish rowing. After injuries ended his own competitive career, he transitioned into coaching and has led Aberdeen Boat Club for nearly 15 years before returning to the sport through Aberdeen Boat Club, where he has spent the last three years guiding the Women’s Masters Squad. Now balancing his own training with ad-hoc coaching, Gary also brings nearly three decades of experience as a Scottish umpire and 18 years on the international umpiring circuit. With his sons now rowing at Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association (ASRA), he remains as deeply embedded in the rowing community as ever.
I started my discussion with Gary with a chat on Aberdeen’s incredible efforts leading up to, and during, World Masters 2025 in Banyoles, Spain. I began by asking Gary about the unprecedented turnout from ABC at the regatta – and just how they managed it.
‘In 2011, I became a member of the World Rowing Masters Commission, which means I have been involved in the organisation and delivery of the WRMR over the last 14 years. During that time, we have had a few members of ABC racing at the regatta, but I had always hoped more of my clubmates could experience the event, as it really is a regatta unlike any other. When I returned to coaching in 2022, I, along with my squad, developed a 3-year plan for – which we described with tongue firmly in cheek! – World domination. The 2025 WRMR in Banyoles was the main target, but we set out different goals, each year, for the squad to help build towards that. As the women’s squad grew and became more successful, the men in the club were inspired to ‘up their game’ and, through the fantastic coaching of Elaine Law, the men’s squad also developed and set their sights towards Banyoles. In December 2024, I arranged a meeting at the club where I set out my vision for the club to send a large, competitive squad with the aspiration to podium in one of the Club Trophy competitions. It’s fair to say that particular aspiration was met with a healthy dose of Scottish pessimism, but I knew with the necessary number of crew entries it was achievable.’
I must agree with Gary on the incredible nature of the event. World Masters Regatta is truly unlike any event I have been to before. The immense number of athletes, boats, volunteers and the great teamwork and camaraderie on view is something to behold.
Gary and ABC’s plan for the humorously entitled World domination was very nearly achieved – with the club achieving an incredible third place overall in the women’s division. Competing against over 700 clubs from across the globe, this small club with big ambitions broke through the mould and managed an incredible feat indeed. I had to ask Gary what he thought were the key factors leading to ABC conquering World Masters Regatta 2025 in such an epic fashion.
‘Instilling the belief in the squad that it was achievable was key. Once I highlighted that the scoring system rewarded participation as well as those coming first, the squad could see that every race mattered. While the first places were fantastic for individual crews, we came third in the Women’s Club Trophy because crews dug in to come fourth rather than fifth or sixth rather than seventh in their race. Every place, and therefore every point allocated, mattered. That collective effort, which, included a buddy system where those not racing helped carry blades/boats down to the pontoons to help boat crews, meant the whole club was invested in every result. It truly was a club effort which helped us to not only place third in the Women’s Club Trophy but also 6th in the overall Club Trophy. Considering we are a small provincial club, with relatively limited resources, those results in a regatta that had 745 clubs competing, is pretty remarkable.’
As would be for any regatta for any club, no matter the size, the journey to an event of this magnitude, thousands of miles away, was a logistical nightmare, having seen the efforts made by my own club, which featured a much smaller contingent. So for ABC organising the endeavour for over 50 competitors, I knew there had to be a pretty special operation in play. I asked Gary just how it was managed.
‘Once we established our vision, the rest was down to a fantastically committed group working on the logistics of getting 50 people, and a trailer full of boats, from NE Scotland to NE Spain. Due to Britain leaving the EU, taking a trailer from the UK to mainland Europe is far more difficult and expensive due to the paperwork involved. However, we were fortunate to receive guidance from Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association, as they travel to Europe each year for an Easter training camp. Once we had our team of trailer drivers, route planned, ferry tickets booked, trailer made compliant for travelling through France and checked we could fit all the boats, riggers, blades, trestles and gazebo on the trailer, we were set. Oh, there were also the hours spent sourcing accommodation, booking flights, making entries and keeping track of things on several scarily large spreadsheets!’
Moving away from the actual competing, I was curious to hear about Gary’s and ABC’s approach to coaching masters as opposed to elite, performance coaching. As someone who transitioned from junior coaching to masters, I know that there are some prevalent differences, and I was intrigued to hear Gary’s thoughts on this.
‘The technical aspects are fairly similar. A good technique that moves boats efficiently is essential regardless of age. The main difference is the amount of time different masters rowers have available to train due to ‘real life’ commitments. Over the three years, we spent a lot of time rotating crew combinations to allow as much flexibility as possible for training outings. We wanted to be in a position where anyone could jump into any crew, so having that shared understanding of the technique we were aiming for. Being realistic about how much training each athlete could commit to was important in terms of expectations for the squad as a whole.’
Going deeper into Gary’s coaching philosophy, I was curious how Gary fosters teamwork and motivation among such a large and diverse group of athletes.
‘Well, as a Primary School teacher, I find this relatively easy. Treat everyone with respect, kindness and honesty, while setting realistic goals and wrap all of that up in huge amounts of humour. Laughter is essential in every training session. Why would you want to take part in something that isn’t enjoyable? There were numerous coaching sessions where I asked rowers to smile or waggle their jaw to help reduce tension in their neck and shoulders. And that mindset really helps when it is raining heavily, and it’s windy, and you are freezing…you can laugh it off and get stuck in because all your crewmates are too. Communication is so important, but it has to be 2-way. As a coach, I want my rowers to discuss and tell me how the outing went and what changes they need, individually and as a crew, to move forward. Everyone’s input is crucial and valued.’
Having discussed in depth his coaching and his time in rowing, I was keen to understand what Gary sees as the most rewarding part of his role.
‘Getting rowers who are new to the sport, or maybe haven’t rowed for 20+years, motivated and wanting to push themselves to achieve their best. A good number of our squad have medalled at Scottish, British and now World Masters level, but just as important are those squad members who have simply enjoyed getting better at rowing, feeling fitter and loving being part of a like-minded collective of wonderful people. I get a real kick out of seeing the people I coach, who love the sport as much as I do.’
It is truly inspiring to hear of such a wonderful outlook on coaching and the measure of success for Gary at ABC. Knowing that our sport has such incredible, hardworking and passionate individuals leading our communities of rowing is a real testament to the quality individuals across the world that help our sport function and thrive.
On the note of thriving, our sport would be nowhere without the engagement of new athletes who try us out and join one of the great communities of rowing across the country. However, so many people will always have a desire to dip their toes into the world of rowing, but are too scared to take the dive. I wanted to know what Gary had to say to those considering taking up rowing, particularly later in life as a master. Very confidently, Gary said:
‘Do it! What are you waiting for? I think a lot of potential rowers are worried they can’t commit to a large number of training sessions. However, for many masters rowers, work and family have to take priority, so they are limited in how long / often they can be down at the club. The trick is to row with a group who have the same expectations and level of time they can commit. The beauty of masters rowing is that, as you get older, you usually have more time to row. Children grow up, you retire from your career, life changes in numerous ways, but you always have that river, canal or lake you can escape to.’
Rowing is an escape, a solace for so many, and it has so many benefits for both mental and physical health – I join Gary in urging all contemplating joining the world of rowing to jump right in!
Bringing our discussion to a close, I was keen to hear how Gary believes rowing can continue to serve as a crucial beacon of light for so many communities across the country. In this ever-changing world, where negativity swarms, it is important that we continue to shine a light on the goodness in our society and in our sport. Gary was passionate in this discussion and agreed with me on the importance of rowing.
‘I’m naturally an optimist; my pint is ALWAYS half full. Since the age of 14, rowing has enriched my life in so many ways. The camaraderie when you are rowing in a boat, or being part of an umpiring jury, or watching with a group of parents as your child races down the course, is fantastic. The majority of friendships I’ve made are through rowing because most rowers are basically very nice people! They are generous, helpful, inspiring, and they are team players. It is often said that rowing is the ultimate team sport because it is true. Everyone has a part to play and that sense of community, of belonging, is incredibly strong within a crew, squad, or rowing club.’
Gary’s words are a celebration of everything rowing can be a refuge, a challenge, a family, and a force for good. Aberdeen Boat Club’s journey to Banyoles shows what is possible when a community commits to a shared dream – even one jokingly labelled world domination. If the spirit Gary nurtures continues to flourish, ABC’s future is not only bright but bound to inspire countless others across Scotland and beyond. In a world that often feels unsteady, rowing, and people like Gary, continue to steady the boat.
Whilst we will continue to see the ABC purple and white competing fiercely at Scottish regattas, I wish them every success in their next World Masters Campaign to the mighty Lake Bled, Slovenia, in 2026.
