Come down to the Isle of Whithorn for 2 days of rowing racing, and family fun. Fierce friendly competition on the water between coastal rowing clubs from across the South West of Scotland, will be taking place over the weekend of 27th and 28th August. Weather and conditions permitting there will be a race launching at Garlieston and finishing at the Isle of Whithorn Bay, and 1km sprint races at the Isle of Whithorn. Teams are chosen based on age and gender, with competitors aged from early twenties to seventies.
The Houston Quaich competition is the Garlieston to Isle race. Last year it was won by Hippo from Garlieston. The Mundle Trophy, for endeavour, was won last year by Vikki Reay-Martin nominated by Wigtown Bay. Each club attending is invited to nominate one or more of their members for their endeavour for the club over the previous 12 months. This year there will be different winners and different nominees. The awards ceremony will be after the racing on Sunday 28th.
Family fun on dry land includes local stalls, and free activities for children from 12noon to 3pm each day at the Isle of Whithorn. Facepainting, story writing, drawing, a treasure hunt, and for all ages a Tattiebogle competition on the theme ‘All at sea’. Tattiebogle competitors from outwith the Isle can bring their entrant with them to display at St Ninian’s Hall for the two days.
Guest appearances include Whithorn Rebuild who are hoping to relaunch their logboat at the Isle, and Newton Stewart Sub Aqua Club providing safety boat cover. Other surprise guests are planned. St Ninian’s Tea Room will be open for breakfasts and lunches, and The Steampacket Inn will be contributing to the fun too. This event is a great way to celebrate the end of our summer.
Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club, formed in 2019, have just taken part in the Nith Raid, 13.8.22, coming 3rd overall in the Skiff category, and won the Bell Raid on 14.8.22. The Bell Raid, a race from Annan to Bowness on Solway and back, was completed in a record time, with the Wigtown Bay crew having only one rower changed at Bowness for the return trip. The bell will be on display at the Isle for the regatta.
“We attended the Skiffieworlds in Kortgene, Netherlands, in early July 2022, with Stranraer Coastal Rowing Club. The combined crews were thrilled to be involved in the international competition with 52 other clubs from across the world. We rowed and competed with heart and soul and came back determined to build on the experience. Our Rowing Captains, Becki Castle and John McGuire have been working hard to encourage everyone who wants to compete to improve their skills for racing.” Vikki Reay-Martin, Club Secretary.
“After building our own skiff, we maintain her at the Isle. It is fantastic to see our rowers doing so well. People start coastal rowing at different ages and different levels of fitness. Those who want to take part in competition work so hard to improve technique, and it is fabulous to see team spirit develop, with humour, and passion. This sport is accessible to all, at any level of ability or competence. It is an absolute privilege to help people improve their fitness, confidence, leadership, and mental wellbeing encouraging them to be involved in coastal rowing at the Isle.” Vikki Reay-Martin, Club Secretary.
You can find out more about Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club through our Facebook page, or check out our website wigtownbaycoastalrowing.org, or email us [email protected]
