Regatta From the Sky

6 May 2016Yakob E, Whittall ‘18

The energy was different the days before. The field was empty, the docks were soundless, and the calm breeze of wind was our only company. The daylight was not fully present. It was waiting. Waiting for the thousands of people to show up to one of the biggest events in Mill Bay. It’s Brentwood Regatta. People from all over North America come to see their kids and families, and watch as these rowers and entrepreneurs take on all kinds of challenges. When Regatta starts, you can’t not notice. Hundreds of cars flood through the gates of Brentwood as they park strategically, thanks to our Regatta jobs, one of which is to help the visitors park. The contenders arrive in their school busses with all of their gear. The other half of the field is filled up with rowing boats and tents. Everyone is here, and the races haven’t even started. Brentwood’s Founders’ Plaza is brimming with entrepreneurial students trying to sell as many goods as possible to make the best income; it’s all for a good grade. Brentwood is live-streaming. Everything is setup. Except one thing. My DJI Phantom 4, my drone. I take off, starting at only 30 meters above the ground. I fly over the field and see the perspective of the parking lots. They are all tightly packed with cars and boats. The sun reflects off of the roofs of each glimmering car. The drone made its way down towards the Plaza as it cruised by people. Everyone is waving out towards it. I heard the faint voice of Luke A, Whittall ‘19, screaming, “Eh! Look at me”. I turn towards him as he dances away. Even though it was amusing to watch, the drone’s precious battery time was falling quickly. I had to fly it towards the races. I caught the last wave of rowers from the starting point as they took off. Following them from behind, I got many different perspectives of what it was like in this intensity. Their arms were moving so fast and in sync, it was hard to believe. Not knowing whose boat was which, I watched through my phone as the live feed was received. The final stretch of the race looked the toughest. You could see determination. It was over. The rowers slowed down and the cheering sounds died away. That’s all it was, a short, intense race. I clicked the return home button on my drone controller, and it flew back towards me. That wasn’t so hard. Or was it? Yakob E, Whittall ‘18

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