Review: Yacht Party and the case for Catch

Bar Catch is cool. Did I just say that? Only a few nights ago I would have been derided for making such an absurd statement. Last night’s Yacht Party overturned any negative perceptions we may have had about the place.

It was only last year that struggling DJs and the occasional curious first year went to party in the fishy chamber of ceiling-sweat and awkwardness that is the aquarium. The idea of dancing with fish was no longer so ‘in’ (was it ever?). But last night WAS cool and, because this is The Stand, I’m going to give you five short reasons why Bar Catch ought to be the next- dare I say it- Lizard:

Claustrophobically Friendly:

There is no denying it: the place is a maze. But once you get used to the many levels and terraces, one realises that the sheer space Catch has is a blessing. Unlike other well-known establishments in St Andrews, I never felt like I was in constant need of air. Emerging from the sweaty pit of adolescents that is the Friday Bop, I often feel like I’m being reborn. But Catch is so open and fluid that the temperature last night was perfect, preventing the usual sweat shower whilst dancing.

Something for everyone:

I’m a man of extremes: I love to party, but I also love to sit in a peaceful room contemplating the flimsiness of my existence (often at the same time). For anyone of the same disposition, spend a night at the aquarium. I recommend it to anyone wishing to converse in a quiet manner or shout in the ears of friends. Catch, having two bars – one wild, one relaxed – is a venue with ample choice, of which we have little here in St Andrews.

Novelty:

I get bored easily. So do you. I’ve only been here a year and I’m already in desperate need of a new place to go on a Friday night. I was in Catch for hours last night, but it went by in a flash because it was all novel. I like getting lost in places I’ve been to before. As I said, choice is important, and this would be a fine, revamped addition to the tiny selection of venues in our little town.

Romantic?:

I often find myself looking up at the stars at night here. In St Andrews we can be blessed with stunningly clear skies day and night, but to be able to appreciate it whilst participating in barbarous acts of hedonism is a paradox that I will never get over. Catch has numerous terraces that create a chill-out area for those with tired legs to lounge on and marvel at the sky. Soppy? Fine, I’ll take it, but it will never stop me from loving our stars. Being on the shore, Catch is an excellent place to engage in this odd hobby.

Yacht Club is Cool:

The whole event, which eventually sold out, seemed flawlessly executed, in large part due to a superbly organised Sailing Club crew. Sponsored by The Yacht Week and billed as “the biggest party of Freshers’ Week”, the event featured as DJs St Andrews’ own Alex Bryson, followed by the headline act from Montreal, Spencer Brennan. Whilst I was disappointed not to see any yachts, I settled for the magnificent DJ set and thrilling atmosphere that flowed seamlessly into the night.

The full but breezy dance-floor revelled under atmospheric laser lights, creating a silhouette of smiling faces dotted around the crowd. It was when I found myself dancing once again with the fishes that I regained hope in this eccentric venue.

Images ©Jessica Biggs of Lightbox St Andrews